Pumpkin Hokkaido Red Kuri [Cucurbita maxima]

The annual pumpkin 'Red Kuri' produces 3-5 pumpkins per plant that weigh 1-2 kg, are round and orange to red in color. Orange-yellow flesh. The taste is similar to sweet chestnuts, mild, nutty and sweet. It can be enjoyed raw or cooked with the skin on. Ideal for direct sowing or pre-cultivation, pot culture possible, sowing in spring, good for mixed culture, harvesting the fruit.

 Description 
The Hokkaido pumpkin 'Red Kuri' is a traditional, annual, old pumpkin variety that was bred in 1945 in the town of Utsugi in Japan. Historically and culturally, the Portuguese brought the plant species to Japan in the 16th century, from which this variety emerged. The 'Red Kuri' forms round, orange to red fruits weighing 1-2 kg and has orange-yellow flesh. The fruit tastes similar to sweet chestnuts, is mild, nutty, sweet and can be prepared raw or cooked with the skin in a cream soup or baked in the oven. One plant produces 3-5 pumpkins. The fruits have a very long storage life at cool temperatures.

 General information 
Plant family: Cucurbitaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 150 days
Plant height approx.: 50 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: High
Water requirements: High
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 5.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 2-3 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 20-24 °C
Germination time: 3-10 days
Plant and row spacing: 150x200 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 4-5 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Corn, Marigold, Amaranth, Peas, Bean, Chamomile
Unfavorable mixed culture: Dill, Cucumber, Zucchini

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing is possible at an ambient temperature of at least 12°C. Pre-cultivation from March to June is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is sheltered from the wind, warm and sunny to partially shaded.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing is possible at an ambient temperature of at least 12°C. Pre-cultivation from April to May is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is sheltered from the wind, warm and sunny.

 General recommendations 
The best time to germinate pumpkins is when the average night temperature is 12°C. Direct sowing in rows is possible. Pre-cultivation and subsequent planting at the specified planting distance is recommended. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds directly in small pots or in seed trays and plant them from the second pair of leaves after the cotyledons or when the root ball is sufficiently rooted directly in the prepared bed.
Pumpkin 'Red Kuri' does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
At temperatures below 10°C, the plant reduces its growth. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich and constantly moist soil is fundamentally important for growth and quality fruit formation. Depending on the condition of the soil, fertilization is recommended after 8 weeks.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Cucurbita maxima
English names: Pumpkin
German names: Kürbis, Gartenkürbis
Portuguese names: Abóbora
Spanish names: Calabaza
French names: Citrouille, Potiron

 Origin 
Country: Portugal