Squash Seeds - Japanese, Winter - Tetsukabuto - Hybrid -2 g Packet ~12 Seeds - Cucurbita maxima X Cucurbita moschata Non-GMO -- F1 Hybrid -- Asian Variety -- High Germination Rate Seeds For: Vegetable Gardening Days to Full Maturity: 95-105 -- Annual -- USDA Hardiness Zone: Annual Crop, Not Intended To Overwinter Kitazawa Seed Company Brand - Premium Quality Asian Variety Garden Seeds & More - Since 1917 Squash Seeds - Japanese, Winter - Tetsukabuto - Hybrid. Non-GMO. Cucurbita maxima X Cucurbita moschata. 95-105 days (45-50 days after flowering). Warm season annual. This Japanese winter squash hybrid produces nearly round fruit. Fruit weigh between 4.4 to 5.5 lbs. Under the dark black-green mottled skin, the firm flesh is a deep yellow orange color with an excellent sweet, nutty flavor. This vine grower does require a pollinator such as Delica. This variety may be used as a rootstock for grafting watermelon, melon and cucumber to prevent diseases. Tetsukabuto will resist the squash vine borer. Tetsukabuto squash store well and are very popular for use in curries and tempura. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in spring/summer after last frost in a warm, sunny location. Hill planting: Form soil into a 1-ft. diameter mound 3-4" tall. Space mounds 5-10' apart. On each mound plant 1-2 seeds. Row planting: See spacing info in chart. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Hand pollination may be necessary. The vine can be trained to climb a vertical support for better air circulation and ease of harvest or left to sprawl on the ground. After harvest, winter squash should be left in the sun for a few days to cure before storing. Excellent in tempura, stir-fried, baked, and pickled. Freezes well. About 156 seeds/ounce.