Kabocha squash Flexi Kuri F1

The Flexi Kuri F1 organic squash is an early and prolific hybrid variety. This vigorous, spreading plant produces several uniform fruits weighing 1.2 to 1.6 kg, with a thin, bright orange skin. Its thick, sweet, and flavoursome flesh is reminiscent of chestnuts, making it a reliable choice in the kitchen, for both savoury and sweet recipes. Resistant to the main cucurbit viruses (ZYMV, WMV, PRSV), this squash is easy to grow in the vegetable garden as well as in organic farming. 
Sow from April to May, for a harvest from September to October. When fully ripe, the fruits keep well for a long time after picking.

Pumpkins and squashes like rich, loose, and well-drained soil, with a good sunny exposure. Like all cucurbits, they love warmth (ideally between 18 and 22 °C) and require regular watering, especially during growth and fruiting. It is advisable to mulch around the base to retain moisture and limit weeds.

The potimarron is a highly prized winter squash. Low in calories, rich in fibre and vitamins, it lends itself to many preparations: soups, veloutés, purées, gratins, but also cakes and desserts. Its mild, slightly sweet flavour appeals to both children and gourmets.
Squashes belong to the large cucurbit family. Depending on the variety, the fruits can vary in shape (round, elongated, flattened), size (from a few hundred grams to several tens of kilograms) and colour (orange, green, beige, variegated).

There are two main types of squashes: summer squashes, harvested young and eaten quickly (like courgettes), and winter squashes, which include the White Pattypan Squash, the Waltham Butternut Squash and the potimarron. The latter are harvested when ripe and can be stored for several months.
The Flexi Kuri F1 organic squash is the result of targeted selection and cross-breeding aimed at surpassing the performance of an already popular cultivar, 'Orange Summer', by bringing notably better flavour and excellent storage. It was developed as part of the breeding programmes of Enza Zaden, a recognised figure in vegetable seeds.

The Flexi Kuri F1 potimarron has vigorous, spreading growth; the plant develops long, creeping stems that spread widely on the ground. Its large, dark green leaves naturally protect the fruits from direct sun, thus limiting the risk of scorching. Flowering is abundant and consists of male flowers, borne on long peduncles, and female flowers, recognisable by the small swelling in the shape of a mini-potimarron at the base. The latter only develop into fruit after pollination by insects, particularly bees. The resulting fruits are regular, with a rounded pear shape and a smooth, thin, bright orange skin. Their thick, sweet flesh has a mild chestnut flavour. Medium-sized (1.2 to 1.6 kg), they are perfect for family consumption and keep well for a long time after harvest.

Harvest: pick the fruits when their skin is well-coloured and hardened, and the stalk begins to dry. Harvesting with a piece of stalk (2–3 cm) extends storage.

Storage: stored in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place, Flexi Kuri potimarrons keep for several months without losing their taste quality.

The gardener's tip: plan for space in the vegetable garden, as this variety is spreading and spreads widely. To optimise the harvest, mulch the soil and pinch the stems after the 2nd or 3rd branching to encourage fruiting.
To save space and protect your fruits from rot, you can grow pumpkins and squashes on supports such as wire mesh or sturdy frames. 
During fruit ripening, you can place a tile or a brick, for example, between the ground and the fruit to protect it and limit premature rotting. A thick mulch will also do the trick.