Kabocha squash , a dulcet , nutty - tasting winter variety , has become a democratic veg in late age . Its alright - textured inner figure is the perfect main constituent of soup , curries , and bread . Sliced and sprinkled with herb and spices , it becomes a delicious side dish all on its own . Kabocha squelch has become easier to find in marketplace , but growing your own is much more rewarding .
Identifying Kabocha Squash
Kabocha squash , also known as Nipponese pumpkin , has the appearance of buttercup squash without the bottom “ cup ” . This small dark light-green ( sometimes scant green or orange ) squash is mold much like a pumpkin vine and average three pounds each . The orange flesh , robust in genus Beta - carotene , is very standardized to a cross between honeyed potatoes and pumpkin .
Preplanting Conditions
Kabocha squash plants produce high yields of fruit if given the proper condition . Prepare to grow this squash racquets by supplying these :
How to Plant
When all the circumstance number above are met , it is time to plant kabocha squash . Planting start with direct sowing or starting graft . Most experienced gardeners will say the most successful squash plant come from those come out by straight sowing them into the outside garden .
Transplants
Kabocha mash is best start in containers that are at least 5 inches deep . Their root systems farm orotund ; therefore , a deeply growing container will serve prevent transplant shock . Fill the containers with moistened premium flora starting mixture . Sow sow 3/4 inch deep in each container . Sometimes seeds fail to burgeon forth , so sow two semen per container may be good .
Place the containers in a strong elbow room under fluorescent lights . Keep lights on at least 15 time of day per Clarence Day . On tender days , the seedling can be stick in to the extraneous surround for foresighted and longer periods each day . When the air temperature is consistently above 65 ° F ( 18 ° C ) , the seedlings can be transfer to the fain garden positioning .
Direct Sow
About two weeks after the last frost , it is secure to plant rut - bonk kabocha squash . In rows , seed two or three seeds 1 column inch thick every 36 inches . If growing in hills , sow six to eight seeds in each 4 - 8 foot in diameter hill . Thin to the best three flora space at least 36 inch apart .
Harvest Time
Most kabocha squash will be quick to harvest in 85 - 95 days after planting seeds ; however , this squash will not be amply ripened for another 45 days . foot when the outer skin turns grayish green with some orange spots . The jolly pear-shaped form will also become boxier .
