Organic 'Kakai' Pumpkin

Common name Kakai Pumpkin
Latin name Cucurbita pepo ‘Kakai’
Quantity per packet Approximately 15 seeds

Organic Kakai Pumpkin produces nutritious hulless seeds that are easy to enjoy without cracking. It is an outstanding choice for gardeners who want to grow their own edible pumpkin seeds.

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Product information
Product
identification
Common nameKakai Pumpkin
Latin nameCucurbita pepo ‘Kakai’
FamilyCucurbitaceae
TypeVegetable
CycleAnnual
Quantity per packApproximately 15 seeds
Code produitBIOVO-0029
Product
description

Organic Kakai Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo ‘Kakai’) is a distinctive variety valued both for its ornamental dark green fruits streaked with orange and for its famous hulless green seeds. This vigorous annual plant develops long trailing vines and abundant foliage that quickly bring a lush presence to the vegetable garden. In summer, its bright yellow flowers enliven the garden while attracting a wide diversity of pollinators. Known for its productivity and versatility, it provides both decorative pumpkins and highly prized edible seeds, performing very well in Canadian gardens when grown under favorable conditions.

This pumpkin prefers full sun and deep, rich, well-drained soil high in organic matter. Direct sow outdoors once the soil is thoroughly warm and all risk of frost has passed. Because it produces long vines that may spread several metres, allow plenty of space for full development. Regular deep watering supports fruit and seed formation, especially during warm periods. Compost applied early in the season and a generous mulch help retain soil moisture and support abundant harvests into autumn.

Ideal for large vegetable gardens, food gardens, and self-sufficiency projects, Kakai Pumpkin provides multiple harvests from a single crop. Its hulless seeds are excellent roasted, added to salads and baked goods, or used for small-batch oil making. The fruit flesh can also be used in soups and purées, while the colorful pumpkins bring decorative value to autumn harvests. Its abundant flowering provides an important resource for bees, bumblebees, and many other pollinators. This organic variety combines food value, ornamental appeal, and a meaningful contribution to garden biodiversity.

Sowing
guide
Sowing periodMay to June, direct sowing
Best time
May to June
Sowing depth2.5 cm (1 in)
Germination temperature20 to 30 °C (68 to 86 °F)
Germination time7 to 14 days
Propagation
Propagated by seed. Saved seeds can be replanted, although some variation may occur if cross-pollination has taken place in the garden.
Growing
method
Direct sow once all danger of frost has passed and the soil has thoroughly warmed. Plant the seeds about 2.5 cm (1 in) deep in rich, well-drained soil high in organic matter. Choose a full-sun location to encourage vigorous vine growth. Water regularly without waterlogging the soil and apply mulch to retain moisture. The long vines require generous growing space. Harvest fully mature fruits when the rind becomes firm and the stem begins to dry.
Soil
and care
ExposureFull sun
Soil
Rich, cool, deep, well-drained soil with abundant organic matter encourages vigorous vine growth and high-quality fruit.
Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral
Watering
Pumpkins require deep, regular watering to support rapid fruit development. Avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of disease.
Fertilization
Kakai Pumpkin is a heavy feeder that benefits from soil rich in organic matter. Incorporate mature compost before planting and provide a light organic feeding during the season to maximize yields.
Care levelModerate
Water deeply during hot weather to support vigorous fruit development. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure early in the season to maintain soil fertility. Apply generous mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for common cucurbit diseases and provide good air circulation around the vines. Harvest fruits before the first hard frost.
Container
growing
Recommended pot size
60 to 80 cm (24 to 32 in)
Organic Kakai Pumpkin can be grown in a very large container at least 60 cm (24 in) wide filled with rich, fertile growing mix. Because this variety produces long trailing vines, it requires plenty of space and consistent watering throughout the season. A warm, sunny location promotes excellent fruit and seed development. While container growing is possible, the highest yields are achieved in spacious vegetable gardens.
Bloom,
harvest
and garden
This variety produces exceptional hulless green seeds that are highly prized for eating and oil production. It combines food value, ornamental appeal, and abundant productivity.
Organic Kakai Pumpkin produces nutritious hulless seeds that are easy to enjoy without cracking. It is an outstanding choice for gardeners who want to grow their own edible pumpkin seeds.
Garden use
Organic Kakai Pumpkin is ideal for large vegetable gardens, kitchen gardens, and self-sufficiency projects. Its abundant flowers attract pollinators, while its decorative fruits and unique hulless seeds make it a rewarding and distinctive crop for organic gardeners.
Bloom period
Large yellow flowers appear in midsummer and attract a wide diversity of pollinators. Good pollination is essential for successful fruit production.
Flower colorYellow
Foliage colorGreen
Harvest
Harvest fruits about 100 days after sowing when the rind is firm and fully colored. Remove, clean, and dry the hulless seeds for eating or storage.
Fruiting
Fruits containing highly prized hulless edible seeds
Wildlife appealBees and pollinators
Size
and facts
Height1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft)
Spread90 cm (36 in)
Growth rateModerate
Minimum temperature10°C (50°F)
Foliage typeDeciduous
Papillonstrue
Planting
partners
Good companions
Beetroot, celery, onion, potato, thyme
Avoid planting with
Fennel
Recipe
and inspiration
Kakai Pumpkin is grown primarily for its prized dark green hulless seeds. They are delicious roasted as a snack, added to salads, granola, and baked goods, or pressed for artisan pumpkin seed oil. The flesh can also be used in soups and purées, while the ornamental fruits make beautiful autumn decorations.
Frequently asked questions
Kakai is prized for its hulless edible seeds, which are highly sought after for roasting and cooking. It allows gardeners to produce nutritious pumpkin seeds right at home.
Yes. The seeds have no hard outer hull, making them ideal for roasting, snacking, baking, and many culinary uses.
Harvest fruits about 100 days after sowing, once the color is fully developed and the rind has become firm.
Yes. Although Kakai is mainly grown for its hulless seeds, the flesh can also be used in soups, purées, and other cooked dishes.
Yes. These certified organic seeds are ideal for gardeners seeking environmentally friendly, biodiversity-supporting growing practices.
The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.