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Ecologically grown open-pollinated heirloom seeds; not certified organic Cucurbitaceae

‘Black Futsu’ squash, ecologically grown seeds

Name: ‘Black Futsu’ squash, ecologically grown seeds ( Cucurbita moschata )
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Cucurbita moschata

Product code : GAIAS-0258

Ribbed Japanese squash curing from black-green to orange, with edible skin and nutty flesh. Ecological heirloom; maturity in 105 days. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

‘Black Futsu’ squash, ecologically grown seeds (Cucurbita moschata) This Japanese heirloom squash produces deeply ribbed bumpy fruit that cures from nearly black-green to a warm orange-buff colour. The tender skin can be eaten, and the flesh develops a rich nutty flavour during storage. Black Futsu suits roasting, tempura, pies, soups, and pickling. The packet contains approximately 4 ecologically grown seeds; Gaia does not identify them as certified organic. This is an annual open-pollinated variety. Kew recognizes Cucurbita moschata as the accepted botanical name in the Cucurbitaceae family and confirms its use as food. Its changing colour and sculptural shape also add ornamental interest to the autumn harvest.

Soak seed in warm water for up to 24 hours and lightly scarify the coat to improve germination. Start seed indoors three to four weeks before the last frost. Sow 1 inch deep and maintain the medium at 27 to 35°C; germination generally takes 7 to 10 days. Transplant only after all frost risk has passed and soil reaches approximately 25°C. Space plants 15 to 18 inches apart and rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Harden seedlings gradually for several days before planting outdoors. Move seedlings into bright light immediately after emergence to promote compact balanced growth, and water gently after transplanting without saturating the soil.

Grow Black Futsu in full sun and rich loose soil that remains evenly moist while draining well. Plants reach approximately 12 to 24 inches high and spread 36 to 48 inches. Maturity occurs after approximately 105 days. Harvest when colour is rich, the rind resists a fingernail, and the ground spot becomes cream, gold, or orange. Cut fruit with approximately 2 inches of stem, then cure in a warm dry place. Store cured fruit at 10 to 12°C with 55 to 75% relative humidity and good airflow. Gaia also identifies the young leaves and flowers as edible. Lift fruit from underneath so the protective stem remains attached during curing and storage.

Uses in the garden

Allow stems to trail through a sunny bed with 36 to 48 inches of spread. Deeply ribbed fruit changes from black-green to orange, creating a harvest that is both decorative and edible. Rest fruit on dry mulch to limit contact with wet soil. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume.

01 How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains approximately 4 ecologically grown seeds. Gaia does not identify them as certified organic. Black Futsu is an annual open-pollinated heirloom. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

02 How should the seeds be started?

Soak seed for up to 24 hours, lightly scarify it, then sow 1 inch deep in pots three to four weeks before the last frost. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.

03 How long does germination take?

Germination generally takes 7 to 10 days at 27 to 35°C. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

04 How should planting be organized?

Space plants 15 to 18 inches apart and rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Stems spread approximately 36 to 48 inches. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

05 When should it be harvested?

Harvest near 105 days when the rind resists a fingernail. Cut with 2 inches of stem, cure warm, and store at 10 to 12°C. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.