(C. maxima) Kabocha has long been among our very favorite winter squashes with its flakey, nutty, rich orange flesh and medium size that can be used up in a single meal. Marine Grey has been an on-again, off-again breeding project of ours for nearly a decade. We originally sought to create a more productive open-pollinated Kabocha squash, crossing two popular commercial hybrids as parents and then honing in on the shape and size we desired over many generations. When we started focusing on taste, however, the color shifted from the dark green we usually associate with commercial kabochas in the US market to a grey/green variant that had, in our opinion, the best flavor of the population. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we consider ourselves specialists in grey (hahaha), so “Marine Grey” stuck. Vigorous, vining plants produce about three 2.5-3.5 lb fruits per plant. Deliciously rich sweet flesh, for roasting, soups, tempura, or even pies. Uprising Original. 90 days. UO
Sow indoors 3-4 weeks before your last frost date. Keep soil moist, but not soaking, before emergence, growing at 70F. A growing medium that is too wet and cold will cause the seeds to rot.
Transplant out 1-3 weeks after your last frost date when the soil has sufficiently warmed.
Direct sow 2-3 weeks after the last frost when soil is 70F+.
Note: Even deep watering keeps these plants thriving.
PLANTING DEPTH:
1/2"-1"
SPACING:
18-24" at 5' between rows.
EMERGENCE:
3-7 days @ soil temp 65-85F
LIGHT:
Full sun
FERTILITY:
Moderate. Prefers well-drained, evenly moist, and well-balanced fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Be gentle while transplanting to keep the root system undisturbed.
Row cover may be used to provide extra warmth, possible earlier fruit set, and prevent insect damage. Remove as plants begin to flower and require pollinator visits!
Good airflow and well-drained soil can help prevent disease.
Handle gently during harvest and sun cure with good ventilation.
Good ventilation and temperatures between 50-60F and relative humidity between 50-70% are the best for storage.
