{"product_id":"cucurbita-maxima-delica-star-f1-kabocha-squash","title":"Cucurbita maxima Delica® Star F1 | Kabocha Squash","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCucurbita maxima DELICA® Star F1 | Kabocha Squash\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCucurbita maxima DELICA® Star F1 is a high-yielding Kabocha squash distinguished by its exceptionally dark green, almost black skin and attractive, uniform fruits.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e This vigorous F1 hybrid combines strong production potential with good fruit size, producing fruits of approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2.2 kg\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and offering \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eintermediate resistance to powdery mildew (IR: Px)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDELICA® Star F1 is particularly interesting for growers looking for a productive Kabocha variety with a distinctive dark appearance and suitability for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eshort- to medium-term storage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. An additional useful characteristic is that fruit maturity can be assessed by observing the stem: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003evertical and horizontal cracking of the fruit stem indicates advancing maturity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCucurbita maxima\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVariety:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e DELICA® Star F1\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eType:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Kabocha squash \/ winter squash\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHybrid:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e F1\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSkin colour:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Very dark green, almost black\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruit weight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approx. 2.2 kg\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYield potential:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e High\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eResistance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e IR: Px – intermediate resistance to powdery mildew\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSowing period:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e April–June\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaturity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approx. 45 days*\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStorage:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Short to medium storage\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePosition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Full sun\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Fresh market, cooking and storage\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*\u003cspan\u003eThe breeder lists approximately 45 days to maturity; actual harvest timing depends on crop stage, climate and growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlmost Black Kabocha Squash\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe most distinctive characteristic of DELICA® Star F1 is its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003every dark skin colour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The mature fruits develop an intense dark green appearance that can look almost black, giving this Kabocha a particularly attractive and premium appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis deep colour makes DELICA® Star F1 visually different from lighter green or grey Kabocha varieties and especially interesting for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emarket gardens, farm shops and direct sales\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh Yield Potential\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDELICA® Star F1 has been selected for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehigh yield potential\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, not only through good average fruit weight but also through the number of fruits produced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith fruits averaging approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2.2 kg\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the variety combines a useful market size with strong production potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis makes DELICA® Star F1 an attractive option for professional growers while remaining an excellent choice for gardeners who want a productive Kabocha squash.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntermediate Resistance to Powdery Mildew\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDELICA® Star F1 has \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eintermediate resistance to powdery mildew (IR: Px)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePowdery mildew is a common disease of squash and pumpkins, particularly later in the growing season. Intermediate resistance does not mean that plants cannot develop the disease, but it can contribute to improved crop performance when combined with suitable growing conditions and good crop management.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to Recognise Maturity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA particularly useful characteristic of DELICA® Star F1 is the possibility of assessing maturity by examining the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003efruit stem\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs the fruits mature, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecracks begin to appear both vertically and horizontally on the stem\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This provides growers with a practical visual indicator when determining the appropriate harvest stage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruit maturity should be considered together with overall fruit development and local growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCulinary Use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a Kabocha-type \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCucurbita maxima\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, DELICA® Star F1 is suitable for a wide range of autumn and winter dishes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe fruits can be used for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eroasting, baking, soups, purées, curries, risotto and other cooked dishes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Their practical size of approximately 2.2 kg makes them convenient for both household use and fresh-market sales.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen to Sow DELICA® Star F1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSow from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApril to June\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, adjusting the timing according to local climate and growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn cooler climates, start seeds indoors or under protection to give plants a head start. Sow \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 seed per pot or large plug cell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSquash seedlings grow rapidly, so avoid keeping them in small containers for too long.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransplant outdoors only after \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethe danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed sufficiently\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to Sow Kabocha Squash Seeds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSow \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 seed per pot or cell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in moist, fertile and well-drained seed-starting compost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCover the seed with substrate and keep evenly moist during germination without allowing the compost to become waterlogged.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce seedlings emerge, provide \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eplenty of light\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for strong and healthy growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGradually harden off young plants before transplanting outdoors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing DELICA® Star F1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewarm, sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKabocha squash plants require sufficient nutrients, water and growing space to produce a strong crop. Incorporating well-rotted compost or organic matter before planting can help improve soil fertility.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater regularly, particularly during \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eflowering, fruit set and fruit development\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Whenever possible, water at the base of the plant rather than repeatedly wetting the foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood air circulation and adequate plant spacing are also useful as part of general management against powdery mildew.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvesting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMonitor both the fruits and their stems as harvest approaches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the specific maturity indicators for DELICA® Star F1 is the development of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003evertical and horizontal cracks on the fruit stem\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCut mature fruits from the plant using a clean knife or secateurs, leaving part of the stem attached. Avoid pulling the fruits from the vines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandle harvested squash carefully, as damaged skin can reduce storage quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStorage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDELICA® Star F1 is indicated for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eshort- to medium-term storage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose fully mature, healthy and undamaged fruits for storage and keep them in a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003edry, well-ventilated and frost-free location\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheck stored fruits regularly and use any damaged fruits first.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDELICA® Star F1 in the DELICA® Kabocha Range\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDELICA® Star F1 offers a distinctly different appearance from the other DELICA® varieties.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDELICA® F1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e – dark green skin, thick yellow flesh and particularly sweet flavour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDELICA® Moon F1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e – light green fruits turning grey at maturity, with intense yellow to orange, medium-compact and relatively dry flesh.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDELICA® Star F1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003every dark, almost black skin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, approximately 2.2 kg fruits, high yield potential and intermediate resistance to powdery mildew.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis makes DELICA® Star F1 particularly suitable for growers looking for a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003edark-skinned, productive Kabocha hybrid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy Grow DELICA® Star F1?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKabocha-type squash • Very dark, almost black skin • Approx. 2.2 kg fruits • High yield potential • Good fruit number • IR to powdery mildew (Px) • Useful stem maturity indicator • Short- to medium-term storage • F1 hybrid • Suitable for home and professional growing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCucurbita maxima\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e DELICA® Star F1 is an excellent choice for growers looking for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKabocha squash seeds combining exceptionally dark fruits, high yield potential and useful disease resistance for reliable production\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"therapyofflowers.com","offers":[{"title":"5 seeds","offer_id":55187420381527,"sku":null,"price":2.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"25 seeds","offer_id":55187420414295,"sku":null,"price":8.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0754\/9275\/3751\/files\/CucurbitamaximaduchesneDelica_StarF1_KabochaSquash_95e81242-05c6-4aef-9c20-d78e58a67042.png?v=1790624117","url":"https:\/\/www.therapyofflowers.com\/products\/cucurbita-maxima-delica-star-f1-kabocha-squash","provider":"therapyofflowers.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}