SQUASH - (UCHIKI) KURI

 Organic Squash Uchiki Kuri

        10 Seeds Pack   

Red Kuri squash (Cucurbita maxima), also known as Uchiki Kuri, Hokkaido squash, Baby Red Hubbard, Climbing Onion squash, and Potimarron (in France), originated in Japan. It was first cultivated in the early 1920s on Hokkaido Island and in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. This variety is believed to descend from the Hubbard squash, introduced to Japan in 1878 after the country opened to international trade. Bred as an improved version of its ancestor, Red Kuri squash is smaller, has thinner skin, and boasts a nuttier flavour. 

A member of the Cucurbitaceae family, Red Kuri squash is prized for its unique pear or teardrop shape, vibrant red-orange colour, and sweet, nutty flavour. It is highly adaptable to various climates, making it popular across the globe.  Typically small to medium in size, Red Kuri squash averages 18 centimetres in diameter and weighs 3-7 pounds. Its smooth, firm, and thin skin features faint light orange to tan vertical ridges, and it connects to a thick, rough, light-brown stem. Inside, the dense, thick, and dry flesh is golden-yellow, surrounding a large central cavity filled with stringy pulp and flat, cream-colored seeds. 

When cooked, Red Kuri squash develops a smooth and tender texture with a flavour reminiscent of chestnuts, making it a favourite in soups, roasted dishes, and purees. Its bright colour, distinctive shape, and rich taste make it a versatile and highly valued culinary ingredient.

PLANTING & GROWING

Soaking should be carried out at least a few hours before planting, and ideally overnight. To prevent damping off when initiating seed growth indoors, it is crucial to disinfect all pots, plastic grow trays, seed cells, and seedling tray covers before reusing them.

For indoor sowing, use pots from April to June or sow directly from mid-May to the end of July, ensuring a minimum temperature of 20°C (68°F) for germination. Fill 7.5cm (3in) pots with compost, firm gently, and sow seeds on their sides, not flat, for reliable germination. Plant seeds at a depth of 12mm (½in) and cover lightly. Optionally, sow two seeds per pot and later remove the weaker seedling, keeping only the strongest. Label the pots, water gently, and place them in a propagator or on a sunny windowsill. Germination usually occurs within 10 to 14 days, though higher temperatures may shorten this to 4 to 6 days. After germination, seedlings grow quickly and may need repotting almost immediately.

Outdoor sowing is less ideal, as seeds may fail to germinate in cold soil, and young plants are vulnerable to chilly temperatures. If sowing outdoors, plant two or three seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep on their edges under cloches or glass jars, spacing plants 45 to 60cm (18 to 24in) apart. Remove the weaker seedlings as they grow.

Squash requires moderate to high water levels. Keep seedlings moist but avoid overwatering. Mature plants thrive in consistently moist soil, and if they appear wilted in the morning, water deeply immediately. Wilting during the hottest part of the day is normal. As fruits mature, reduce watering to prevent rot.

To enhance pollination, plant flowers like marigolds and nasturtiums nearby to attract bees. These flowers may also help repel common squash pests. Ideal companion plants for squash include sweetcorn, beans, lettuce, peas, pumpkin, radish, and melons. Avoid planting squash near potatoes or Brassica species, as they are heavy feeders and may compete for nutrients, hindering growth.

You should not plant squash in the same spot for more than one year in a row