Red Kuri Winter Squash on a white background.
Whole and cut Red Kuri (Hokkaido) Winter Squash with soup served in a squash surrounded by seeds.
Whole and cut Red Kuri (Hokkaido) Winter Squash on a wood background with coins.
Woman in overalls holding a couple of Red Kuri (Hokkaido) Winter Squash in the field.
A single Red Kuri (Hokkaido) Winter Squash on a fencepost with bokeh lighting in the background.
Red Kuri Winter Squash on a white background.
Whole and cut Red Kuri (Hokkaido) Winter Squash with soup served in a squash surrounded by seeds.
Whole and cut Red Kuri (Hokkaido) Winter Squash on a wood background with coins.
Woman in overalls holding a couple of Red Kuri (Hokkaido) Winter Squash in the field.
A single Red Kuri (Hokkaido) Winter Squash on a fencepost with bokeh lighting in the background.

Winter Squash Seeds,
Red Kuri (Hokkaido)

4.252 Reviews#SQ101 · 20 seeds
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Description

(Cucurbita maxima). A red-orange Japanese winter squash. Each teardrop-shaped fruit weighs 5 to 8 lbs. The golden flesh is smooth, dry, sweet, and rich; a great yielding and keeping variety. This style of squash has been traditionally farmed around Kanazawa, Japan. It is said that Saichiro Matsumoto of Kanazawa brought this squash back from Fukushima in northern Japan, in 1933. It is one of the Kaga (old name of Kanazawa) traditional vegetables.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita maxima
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
92
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Timing is essential for growing Red Kuri squash, as it is very sensitive to frost. In colder climates, start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before the last expected frost. For direct sowing, wait until the soil has warmed to at least 65 F, typically from mid-May to June, depending on your USDA zone. You can check local frost dates to determine the best time to plant for you. 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

Sow the seeds 1/2-1 inch deep, either directly in the garden or in pots if starting indoors. If you're transplanting seedlings, be sure to harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 1-2 weeks before planting them in the garden. Be careful not to disturb the roots. Space the plants 18-36 inches apart in rows or hills to give them enough room to grow​.

How to Grow

Regular watering is important, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering as the plant can be susceptible to root rot. Consider adding a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every few weeks to encourage robust growth. Keep an eye out for pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs and take action if necessary. Row covers can protect young plants from pests, and organic insecticidal soaps are an effective treatment. Additionally, you can plant flowers that attract pollinators near your squash to enhance fruit set​.

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 long does it take for Red Kuri squash to mature?

Red Kuri squash typically takes about 92 days from sowing to reach maturity. If you start seed indoors, count from the sowing date rather than from transplanting; the exact timing may vary depending on local growing conditions.

When is the best time to harvest Red Kuri squash?

Harvest Red Kuri squash when the skin is hard and has turned a deep orange color. This usually occurs in September or October, before the first frost. Cut the squash from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached to prolong storage life.

Does Red Kuri squash need to be cured before storage?

Yes, curing is essential for extending the shelf life of squash. After harvesting, allow the squash to sit in a warm, sunny spot for about 10 days. This process helps to harden the skin and heal any minor cuts, which reduces the risk of rot during storage. Once cured, store the squash in a cool, dry place with low humidity. Properly cured and stored Red Kuri squash can last for several months.

Browse our full range of winter squash seeds.

Customer reviews

4.2 / 5 52 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Heavy producer: Often the most prolific winter squash in the patch.

  • Dense, velvety flesh: Dense, smooth flesh; sweetens with curing; velvety in pies.

  • Early to mature: First to set fruit and ripen among many varieties.

  • Fragrant blooms: Honey-scented flowers draw crowds of bees.

  • Growing tips: Vines run 15 feet or more; trellis them or give them room.

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