Kakai Winter Squash on a white background.
Man holding Kakai Winter Squash with a handful of hulless seeds.
Man holding two Kakai Winter Squash in front of the Mercantile building at Baker Creek.
A single Kakai Winter Squash sitting on wood against a dark blue green background.
Close up of Kakai Winter Squash hulless seeds.
Overhead perspective of Kakai Winter Squash on an octagonal shaped cutting board.
Kakai Winter Squash on a white background.
Man holding Kakai Winter Squash with a handful of hulless seeds.
Man holding two Kakai Winter Squash in front of the Mercantile building at Baker Creek.
A single Kakai Winter Squash sitting on wood against a dark blue green background.
Close up of Kakai Winter Squash hulless seeds.
Overhead perspective of Kakai Winter Squash on an octagonal shaped cutting board.

Winter Squash Seeds,
Kakai

3.421 Reviews#SQ285 · 20 seeds
Price
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Description

(Cucurbita pepo). Completely hull-less seeds are superb for roasting! Slightly oblate, delicately ribbed fruit is an unusual shade of yellow-orange, mottled here and there in dark green to virtually black. Simply scoop the seeds out of the 5- to 8-pound pumpkins, rinse, salt if desired, and roast in the oven until slightly browned. Semi-bush plants are compact and great for smaller gardens.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita pepo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Bush
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Kakai squash seeds outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures are above 60 F, as these plants are particularly sensitive to frost. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the soil has warmed up. Check local frost dates to determine the best time to plant. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Direct sow seeds 1/2-1 inch deep, either in mounds or rows, spaced about 3-5 feet apart to allow ample room for the vines to spread. If starting indoors, transplant seedlings carefully, not disturbing the roots and spacing them similarly.

How to Grow

Water the plants deeply and consistently, aiming for about 1-2 inches per week. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and control weeds. Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer, particularly as the plants begin to flower and set fruit.

How to Save Seeds

  • There are four main species of squash: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, and C. mixta. They will not cross pollinate with each other, so it is possible to grow one of each species for seed saving without worrying about cross pollination.
  • If you are planning to grow several varieties of more than one species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.
  • Whether it is a summer or winter squash, you must let the fruit completely mature before extracting the seeds, and cure for at least two weeks.
  • Scoop the seeds, place them in a bucket, and add just enough water to cover. Let sit at room temperature to ferment for two days before rinsing off the pulp.
  • Lay seeds out to dry on newspaper or paper plates.
  • Stored in a cool, dry place, seeds will remain viable for up to four years.

FAQ

How does Kakai squash differ from others?

Kakai squash seeds are hull-less, making them ideal for roasting and eating directly. They have a rich, nutty flavor.

How do I know when Kakai squash is ready to harvest?

Kakai squash is ready to harvest when the skin is hard, and the stem has turned brown and dry. The fruit should sound hollow when tapped.

How long does Kakai squash take to mature?

Kakai squash typically takes about 100 days to mature from planting to harvest, depending on growing conditions.

Browse our full range of winter squash seeds.

Customer reviews

3.4 / 5 21 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Hull-free roasting seeds: Rinse and roast; no hulls to pick off, though a few note a thin coat.

  • Few fruit per plant: Expect two to four fruit per plant; flesh is mild and stringy.

  • Compact vines: Short, semi-bush vines suit small beds and raised beds.

  • Striped fall decor: Green and orange striped fruit makes handsome fall decor.

  • Heads up: Seed count per fruit runs low and germination can be spotty.

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