Winter squash · Red-kuri

Heirloom Red Kuri Squash

Vine · Cucurbitaceae

Red Kuri is the classic teardrop-shaped heirloom winter squash with chestnut-like flavor and smooth dense flesh. It is especially beginner-friendly in the kitchen because the skin softens when cooked, so many recipes skip peeling entirely, making it one of the easiest winter squash types to use.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

90–100 days

Sun

8+ hours

full sun 8+ hours

Spacing

36–48 "

Seed Start

2–3 weeks

before transplant

Container

Not Ideal

20+ gallon pot

Height

1–2 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 4–10 days

Optimal Temp 85°F

Seed Depth 1"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 65°F

Harden Off 5 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–2 "

Needs Consistent

Method Drip

Soil

pH Range 6–6.8

Soil Type Fertile, moisture-retentive loam with compost and good drainage.

Resilience

Heat: High Cold: Low Drought: Low

Common Problems

powdery-mildew

Cause: Warm-season mildew can strip leaves before fruit finishes sizing.

Prevention: Space vines well and keep watering at the base.

squash-bug

Cause: Sap-feeding insects weaken vines and reduce fruit fill.

Prevention: Scout eggs early and keep vines vigorous.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Heavy feeder

Recommended Recipes Root drench, Silica foliar, Worm castings topdress

Harvest

Harvest when fruits are deep red-orange, dry-stemmed, and hard-rinded.

Expected Yield 8–18 lbs/plant

Storage 90 days — Cure briefly and store in a cool dry place with airflow.

Sources

seed_catalog Thrive Heirloom Seed Emporium university NC State Extension

More Winter squashs

Heirloom Red Kuri Squash Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Heirloom Red Kuri Squash vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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