Winter Squash 'Red Kuri'

Also known as 'Hokkaido' squash, 'Red Kuri' is a stunning and productive variety that has gained immense popularity in the UK. It produces teardrop-shaped fruits with a striking bright orange-red skin. The flesh is a deep orange with a smooth, chestnut-like flavor and a creamy texture when cooked. One of its greatest advantages is that the skin is thin enough to be edible when roasted or used in soups, eliminating the need for peeling. The plants are vigorous trailers and need plenty of space or can be trained up a very sturdy support. Each plant typically produces 3 to 5 fruits weighing around 1.5kg each. They require a long, sunny summer to ripen fully and develop their sugars. Harvest before the first frost and store in a warm, dry place to cure the skin, after which they will keep for several months. It is an excellent source of vitamin A and makes a spectacular, velvety pumpkin soup.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, well-drained, organic soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.