Cucurbita maxima DELICA® Star F1 | Kabocha Squash

Cucurbita maxima DELICA® Star F1 is a high-yielding Kabocha squash distinguished by its exceptionally dark green, almost black skin and attractive, uniform fruits. This vigorous F1 hybrid combines strong production potential with good fruit size, producing fruits of approximately 2.2 kg and offering intermediate resistance to powdery mildew (IR: Px).

DELICA® Star F1 is particularly interesting for growers looking for a productive Kabocha variety with a distinctive dark appearance and suitability for short- to medium-term storage. An additional useful characteristic is that fruit maturity can be assessed by observing the stem: vertical and horizontal cracking of the fruit stem indicates advancing maturity.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Cucurbita maxima
• Variety: DELICA® Star F1
• Type: Kabocha squash / winter squash
• Hybrid: F1
• Skin colour: Very dark green, almost black
• Fruit weight: Approx. 2.2 kg
• Yield potential: High
• Resistance: IR: Px – intermediate resistance to powdery mildew
• Sowing period: April–June
• Maturity: Approx. 45 days*
• Storage: Short to medium storage
• Position: Full sun
• Use: Fresh market, cooking and storage

*The breeder lists approximately 45 days to maturity; actual harvest timing depends on crop stage, climate and growing conditions.

Almost Black Kabocha Squash

The most distinctive characteristic of DELICA® Star F1 is its very dark skin colour. The mature fruits develop an intense dark green appearance that can look almost black, giving this Kabocha a particularly attractive and premium appearance.

This deep colour makes DELICA® Star F1 visually different from lighter green or grey Kabocha varieties and especially interesting for market gardens, farm shops and direct sales.

High Yield Potential

DELICA® Star F1 has been selected for high yield potential, not only through good average fruit weight but also through the number of fruits produced.

With fruits averaging approximately 2.2 kg, the variety combines a useful market size with strong production potential.

This makes DELICA® Star F1 an attractive option for professional growers while remaining an excellent choice for gardeners who want a productive Kabocha squash.

Intermediate Resistance to Powdery Mildew

DELICA® Star F1 has intermediate resistance to powdery mildew (IR: Px).

Powdery 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.

How to Recognise Maturity

A particularly useful characteristic of DELICA® Star F1 is the possibility of assessing maturity by examining the fruit stem.

As the fruits mature, cracks begin to appear both vertically and horizontally on the stem. This provides growers with a practical visual indicator when determining the appropriate harvest stage.

Fruit maturity should be considered together with overall fruit development and local growing conditions.

Culinary Use

As a Kabocha-type Cucurbita maxima, DELICA® Star F1 is suitable for a wide range of autumn and winter dishes.

The fruits can be used for roasting, baking, soups, purées, curries, risotto and other cooked dishes. Their practical size of approximately 2.2 kg makes them convenient for both household use and fresh-market sales.

When to Sow DELICA® Star F1

Sow from April to June, adjusting the timing according to local climate and growing conditions.

In cooler climates, start seeds indoors or under protection to give plants a head start. Sow 1 seed per pot or large plug cell.

Squash seedlings grow rapidly, so avoid keeping them in small containers for too long.

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

How to Sow Kabocha Squash Seeds

Sow 1 seed per pot or cell in moist, fertile and well-drained seed-starting compost.

Cover the seed with substrate and keep evenly moist during germination without allowing the compost to become waterlogged.

Once seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light for strong and healthy growth.

Gradually harden off young plants before transplanting outdoors.

Growing DELICA® Star F1

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

Kabocha 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.

Water regularly, particularly during flowering, fruit set and fruit development. Whenever possible, water at the base of the plant rather than repeatedly wetting the foliage.

Good air circulation and adequate plant spacing are also useful as part of general management against powdery mildew.

Harvesting

Monitor both the fruits and their stems as harvest approaches.

One of the specific maturity indicators for DELICA® Star F1 is the development of vertical and horizontal cracks on the fruit stem.

Cut mature fruits from the plant using a clean knife or secateurs, leaving part of the stem attached. Avoid pulling the fruits from the vines.

Handle harvested squash carefully, as damaged skin can reduce storage quality.

Storage

DELICA® Star F1 is indicated for short- to medium-term storage.

Choose fully mature, healthy and undamaged fruits for storage and keep them in a dry, well-ventilated and frost-free location.

Check stored fruits regularly and use any damaged fruits first.

DELICA® Star F1 in the DELICA® Kabocha Range

DELICA® Star F1 offers a distinctly different appearance from the other DELICA® varieties.

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

DELICA® Moon F1 – light green fruits turning grey at maturity, with intense yellow to orange, medium-compact and relatively dry flesh.

DELICA® Star F1 – very dark, almost black skin, approximately 2.2 kg fruits, high yield potential and intermediate resistance to powdery mildew.

This makes DELICA® Star F1 particularly suitable for growers looking for a dark-skinned, productive Kabocha hybrid.

Why Grow DELICA® Star F1?

Kabocha-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

Cucurbita maxima DELICA® Star F1 is an excellent choice for growers looking for Kabocha squash seeds combining exceptionally dark fruits, high yield potential and useful disease resistance for reliable production.