Organic Red Kuri Winter Squash

Organic Red Kuri Winter Squash is a certified-organic potted start of an open-pollinated winter squash also known as Hokkaido squash. The vigorous vines carry teardrop-shaped fruit that matures to a vivid red-orange exterior around smooth, sweet flesh. Its relatively modest size and rich texture make it convenient for roasting, soup, curry, baking, and purée, while properly matured fruit can hold beyond the immediate harvest.

Grow this tender annual in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil after frost danger has passed. It is tagged for USDA zones 4–10 as a warm-season crop, so use the growing-zone guide to relate local frost dates to the available season. Soil warmth is important for cucurbit roots; consult the soil-temperature guide for vegetable starts before transplanting into spring ground.

Set the potted start at the existing soil level, water deeply, and give vines considerable room to spread. Maintain reasonably even moisture through establishment, bloom, and early fruit growth, directing water toward the soil. Mulch after the ground warms and keep young fruit from resting in persistently wet areas. Our transplant-care guide provides a useful first-week checklist.

Red Kuri carries male and female flowers separately on the same plant. No named pollinizer cultivar is needed, but bees or other insects must transfer pollen for fruit set. Nearby flowers and more than one squash plant can support repeated visits. Harvest when the rind has developed full color, becomes difficult to mark with a fingernail, and the stem is firm. Cut rather than twist, leaving a short stem. Condition sound fruit in a warm, ventilated place, then store in a cool, dry area and inspect periodically so any damaged squash is used first.