Squash , Black Futsu Kurokawa - Japanese (New to us)

C moschata Duchesne ssp moschata, A very ancient Japanese Heirloom black trailing variety squash. The fruit is round with a flattened top and has heavy ribbing. The black of the mature fruit turns a rich chestnut colour while in storage. The inner flesh is golden & has a rich flavour and a slight hint of hazelnuts. Can be eaten as a puree or roasted & will store for an extraordinarily long time if well-ripened in autumn. Weight about 1kg (2.2lb) Good insect resistance. From direct sowing: 110-120 days. (C moschata Duchesne ssp moschata), Seed Count Approx - 6 avg

SOWING - Squash will not germinate in cold soil & needs a warm spot, well-drained & fertile soil with plenty of composted organic matter to conserve moisture; Planting should be delayed until the soil has warmed (can be started in a greenhouse from mid-March onward, plant out the end of Mayish), Sow directly insitu after the threat of frost has passed. Sow one inch deep in hills or rows spaced 24 to 36 in apart, Harvest just before frosts when the stems dry & turn brown.