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Squash · Cucurbita maxima 'Kabocha'

Kabocha Winter Squash

Kabocha Winter Squash: 95-105 days to harvest, 7-14 days to germinate, 48-72 inches between plants, pH 6.0-6.8, hardy in zones 3-11. Fruit runs to about 2-3 lbs, 5-8 inches diameter. Give it full sun (6+ hours) and 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture water.

Squash
95-105days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow 2-3 weeks after last frost when soil is warm. Start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Spacing
48-72 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green skin with orange flesh
Size
2-3 lbs, 5-8 inches diameter
Shape
Round, squat, turban-like with deep ridges
Flavour
Extremely sweet, nutty, creamy like sweet potato with chestnut notes

In the kitchen

Roasting, tempura, curries, soups, desserts, purees

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash vine borer, cucumber beetles, squash bugs
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, black rot
Resistance
Good resistance to common squash diseases

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustOctober – September
3——June – JulyOctober
4——June – JulyOctober
5——May – JuneSeptember – October
6——May – JuneSeptember – October
7——April – JuneAugust – October
8——April – MayAugust – September
9——March – AprilJuly – August
10——February – AprilJune – August
11——January – MarchMay – July
12——January – MarchMay – July
13——January – MarchMay – July

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

CornProvides natural trellis support and the three sisters planting method creates beneficial microclimate
BeansFixes nitrogen in soil which squash needs, part of traditional three sisters companion planting
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for cucumber beetles and squash bugs, repels aphids
RadishesRepels cucumber beetles and squash vine borers, helps break up compacted soil
MarigoldsDeters cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with natural compounds
CatnipRepels cucumber beetles, ants, and aphids more effectively than DEET
OreganoRepels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture
SunflowersAttracts beneficial predatory insects and provides windbreak protection

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for space and nutrients, both are heavy feeders that deplete soil
FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of squash and most garden plants
Aromatic Herbs (Sage)Strong essential oils can inhibit squash growth and germination

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
26
Protein (g)
0.52
Fat (g)
0.2
Carbohydrate (g)
5.64
Sugars (g)
3.54
Vitamin C (mg)
4.5
Vitamin E (mg)
0
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.058
Folate (µg)
22
Calcium (mg)
9
Iron (mg)
0.17
Magnesium (mg)
10
Phosphorus (mg)
12
Potassium (mg)
205
Zinc (mg)
0.07
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Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the squash growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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Similar varieties

Other squash with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Kabocha Winter Squash suits these too.

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