Squash Seeds - Winter - Black Futsu
100-105 days to maturity. Cucurbita moschata. Black Futsu Winter Squash Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, heirloom, open-pollinated. This crop is suitable for growing in fields, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Black Futsu is a distinctive Japanese winter squash with deeply ribbed, bumpy fruit that matures from deep black-green to a warm orange-buff with a natural gray bloom. Thin, edible skin and fine, nutty orange flesh shine when roasted, fried, pureed, or pickled, and fruits store well for months. ~310 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Black Futsu Winter Squash in the Vegetable Garden
Direct sow after the last frost once the soil is warm, planting 1 inch deep. In shorter seasons, start indoors 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting and set out after frost. Plant in full sun and provide plenty of space for long vines, or train to a sturdy support for better airflow and cleaner fruit.
Keep moisture consistent during flowering and fruit fill, and mulch to reduce weeds and stabilize soil moisture. Remove row covers once flowers open to allow pollination. If saving seed, isolate from other Cucurbita moschata varieties.
Harvesting of Black Futsu Winter Squash
Harvest when the rind is hard, and the stem begins to cork and dry. Cut fruit with a short stem attached and cure in a warm, dry place with good airflow. Proper curing improves storage life and helps flavor develop before long-term storage.
About Black Futsu Winter Squash Garden Seeds
Black Futsu is an heirloom Japanese winter squash prized for its dramatic texture and color shift as it cures. Fruits are squat and heavily ribbed, often showing a natural gray bloom, with bright orange flesh and thin, edible skin.
Roast wedges along the ribs, fry slices tempura-style, puree for soups or pies, or pickle for a unique seasonal treat. Properly cured fruits can be stored for several months.
Tips From Our Gardeners
Let fruits cure fully to bring out the best flavor. Keep harvested squash warm and dry with strong airflow for at least 10 days, then move to cool, dry storage and use any scratched or stemless fruits first.
 |
- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Black Futsu Winter Squash Seeds Per Package:
- 4 g Packet - Packet - Approximately 44 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 310 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk - Approximately 1,240 Seeds
- 1 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 4,960 Seeds
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Cucurbita moschata |
| Black Futsu Winter Squash Color: | Black-green rind curing to orange buff; orange flesh |
| Black Futsu Winter Squash Flavor: | Nutty, rich, and sweet with fine texture |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | Annual 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 |
| Days to Maturity: | 100-105 |
| Days to Germination: | 7 to 14 |
| Seeding Depth: | 1 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 36 to 48 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 72 to 96 inches |
| Plant Height: | 18 to 24 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Vining |
| Soil Preference: | Rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture; pH 6.0 to 6.8. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer 70 to 95 F |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes |
| Start Indoors: | Yes, 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting. |
| Plant Width: | 120 to 180 inches |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 75 to 90 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Use row cover until flowering to reduce cucumber beetles and squash bugs. Rotate crops, water at the soil level, and provide airflow to limit powdery mildew and other foliar disease pressure. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container, Fields |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat |