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Squash · Cucurbita maxima

Red Kuri Squash

Red Kuri Squash: 92 days to harvest, 7-14 days to germinate, 48-60 inches between plants, pH 6.0-7.0, hardy in zones 3-11. Fruit runs to about 3-5 lb. Give it full sun (6+ hours) and 1-1.5 inches per week, deep watering water.

Squash
92days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Plant seeds 1 inch deep.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, deep watering
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
48-60 inches
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Brilliant orange-red to coral
Size
3-5 lb.
Shape
Teardrop or onion-shaped
Flavour
Very sweet, nutty, chestnut-like flavor with creamy, dense texture

In the kitchen

Roasting, soups, purees, pies, gnocchi. Skin is edible when cooked.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, vine borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt
Resistance
Good disease resistance and excellent storage life

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 structure and wind protection for sprawling squash vines
BeansFix nitrogen in soil which benefits heavy-feeding squash plants
MarigoldsRepel cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and other common squash pests
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles while repelling aphids
RadishesDeter squash vine borers and cucumber beetles when planted around squash
CatnipStrong pest deterrent against squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids
OreganoRepels various garden pests and may improve squash flavor and growth
SunflowersProvide beneficial habitat for predatory insects that control squash pests

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for similar nutrients and space, both are heavy feeders
BrassicasHeavy nitrogen feeders that compete with squash and may stunt growth
MelonsShare similar diseases and pests, increasing risk of crop failure

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.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Red Kuri Squash?

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Similar varieties

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

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