Cucurbita maxima DELICA® Sun F1 | Orange Kabocha Squash

Cucurbita maxima DELICA® Sun F1 is an exceptional orange-skinned Kabocha squash combining the qualities of the classic DELICA® type with an attractive, distinctive colour. Bred conventionally in Japan by Takii, this F1 hybrid produces flat-round fruits with bright orange skin, sweet flavour and richly coloured curry-yellow to orange flesh.

DELICA® Sun F1 is part of the PhytoRich® range and is particularly notable for its naturally high lutein content, reported at 10 mg per 100 g. With fruits averaging approximately 1.6–1.9 kg and around 100 days to maturity, it is an exciting choice for both home gardeners and professional growers looking for a productive, flavourful and visually distinctive Kabocha squash.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Cucurbita maxima
• Variety: DELICA® Sun F1
• Type: Kabocha squash / winter squash
• Fruit colour: Orange
• Fruit shape: Flat-round
• Flesh colour: Curry-yellow to orange
• Flavour: Sweet
• Fruit weight: Approx. 1.6–1.9 kg
• Days to maturity: Approx. 100 days
• Growth habit: Trailing
• Hybrid: F1
• Breeding: Conventionally bred in Japan by Takii
• PhytoRich® nutrient: Lutein
• Lutein content: Reported at 10 mg/100 g
• Position: Full sun
• Use: Culinary use, fresh market and home gardens

An Orange Kabocha from the DELICA® Family

DELICA® Sun F1 brings an unusual colour to the traditional Kabocha group.

Instead of the familiar dark green skin of standard DELICA®, DELICA® Sun develops an attractive orange exterior while retaining the sweet flavour associated with the DELICA® type.

The fruits have a characteristic flat-round shape, making them visually distinctive and especially attractive for autumn harvest displays, farm shops and fresh-market sales.

Sweet, Richly Coloured Flesh

Cutting open DELICA® Sun F1 reveals attractive curry-yellow to orange flesh.

The variety was developed to retain the sweet flavour of standard DELICA®, making it an excellent culinary squash for a wide variety of dishes.

It can be used for roasting, baking, soups, purées, curries, risotto, gnocchi and other autumn and winter recipes.

Its combination of orange skin, intensely coloured flesh and sweet taste makes DELICA® Sun F1 particularly appealing for gardeners who value both appearance and eating quality.

PhytoRich® Kabocha with Lutein

DELICA® Sun F1 belongs to Takii's PhytoRich® range.

The highlighted nutrient in this variety is lutein, with a reported concentration of approximately 10 mg per 100 g.

Lutein is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment found in many yellow, orange and green vegetables. DELICA® Sun F1 therefore combines the familiar qualities of a Kabocha squash with a particularly interesting nutritional profile.

Practical 1.6–1.9 kg Fruits

DELICA® Sun F1 produces fruits averaging approximately 1.6–1.9 kg.

This is a convenient size for household use: large enough to provide plenty of flesh while remaining practical to harvest, store and prepare.

The striking orange skin also makes the fruits highly attractive for market gardens, farm shops and direct sales.

Around 100 Days to Maturity

DELICA® Sun F1 reaches maturity in approximately 100 days, although the exact harvest time will depend on temperature, location and growing conditions.

It has a trailing growth habit, so plants should be given sufficient room to spread and develop their fruits.

Sowing DELICA® Sun F1

In cooler climates, starting the plants indoors is recommended to make the most of the growing season.

Sow 1 seed per pot or large plug cell in a fertile, well-drained seed-starting substrate. Cover the seed and keep the substrate evenly moist during germination without waterlogging.

After germination, provide the seedlings with plenty of light.

Kabocha squash grows quickly, so avoid keeping young plants in small pots for too long.

Transplant outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed sufficiently.

Growing Conditions

Choose a warm, sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil.

Before planting, improve the soil with well-rotted compost or other organic matter where necessary.

Water regularly, particularly during flowering, fruit set and fruit development. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.

As DELICA® Sun F1 has a trailing habit, allow enough space for the vines to spread.

Harvesting

Allow the fruits to reach full maturity and develop their characteristic orange skin colour.

Harvest using a clean knife or secateurs, leaving part of the stem attached to the fruit rather than pulling it from the vine.

Handle mature fruits carefully, as damage to the skin can reduce storage quality.

Harvest fruits intended for storage before frost.

DELICA® Sun F1 Compared with Other DELICA® Kabocha

DELICA® F1 – classic dark green skin, thick yellow flesh and very sweet flavour.

DELICA® Moon F1 – light green fruits turning grey at maturity, with intense yellow to orange flesh.

DELICA® Star F1 – exceptionally dark green, almost black skin, high yield potential and intermediate resistance to powdery mildew.

DELICA® Sun F1 – orange skin, flat-round fruits, sweet DELICA®-type flavour, curry-yellow to orange flesh and high lutein content.

This makes DELICA® Sun F1 particularly interesting for growers looking for an orange Kabocha squash that combines attractive appearance, sweet flavour and the qualities of the DELICA® range.

Why Grow DELICA® Sun F1?

Orange Kabocha squash • Flat-round fruits • Approx. 1.6–1.9 kg • Sweet DELICA®-type flavour • Curry-yellow to orange flesh • Approx. 100 days to maturity • Trailing growth • PhytoRich® variety • High lutein content • F1 hybrid • Conventionally bred in Japan

Cucurbita maxima DELICA® Sun F1 is an excellent choice for gardeners and professional growers looking for orange Kabocha squash seeds with sweet flavour, richly coloured flesh and distinctive flat-round fruits.