Kabocha Squash, Japanese Pumpkin 'Jarrahdale'
Cucurbita maxima
| Family: | Cucurbitaceae (koo-ker-bih-TAY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Cucurbita (koo-KER-bih-ta) (Info) |
| Species: | maxima (MAKS-ih-muh) (Info) |
| Cultivar: | Jarrahdale |
| Additional cultivar information: | (aka Jaradale) |
Type:
Kabocha (winter)
Height:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing:
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
Days to Maturity:
91 to 100 days
Mature Skin Color:
Gray
Size:
12 to 20 pounds (5 to 9 kg)
Habit:
Vining
Disease Resistance:
Seed Type:
Open Pollinated
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Propagation Methods:
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting:
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Foliage Color:
Bloom Characteristics:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Water Requirements:
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Where to Grow:
Regional
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Lafayette, California
Milledgeville, Georgia
Bryan, Texas
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Madison, Wisconsin
Park Falls, Wisconsin
Phillips, Wisconsin
show allGardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Positive | On Apr 30, 2008, CurtisJones from Broomfield, CO (Zone 5b) wrote: From your friends at Botanical Interests, inc.: The Jarrahdale pumpkin is an Australian heirloom. It is deeply ribbed with a shiny slate bluish-grey skin and golden to orange colored flesh. Though it is a unique pumpkin for autumn or Halloween displays, you can also carve it or bake it just like any other pumpkin or squash. Its flavor is nutty and sweet, and its texture is stringless. Fruits grow to 6 to 12 pounds, 10" or larger in diameter, and have a long storage capability. |
| Neutral | On Oct 2, 2007, wendee from Phillips, WI wrote: I am doing a story for the paper I work for on a man who grew these in Northern Wisconsin (Price County), and the smallest one he had was 21 pounds. The largest was 35. He didn't use any fertilizer. I think these are really pretty, and I imagine that carved they would look amazing with the contrast between the blue-green skin and the brilliant orange insides. He told me they are sweet and they store well. |
| Neutral | On Nov 15, 2006, JodyC from Palmyra, IL (Zone 5b) wrote: I think Blue/Gray needs to be added to the Mature Skin Color selections...it averages 100 days to maturity |
| Positive | On Jul 7, 2006, Galina from Northamptonshire, Grows well in central England. Tastes very good too. |
| Positive | On Jun 28, 2006, mboston from Granville, NY wrote: I bought a Jaradale pumpkin at a farmer's market two years ago, and have planted seeds from that pumpkin for the past two seasons. The pumpkins have a really unusual, shiny gray-green skin and thick, bright orange flesh. They do resemble the shape of Cinderella's carriage pumpkins, maybe being even more deeply lobed. I carved that first one for Halloween, which was difficult due to the thickness of the skin, but the glow of the orange interior contrasted with the greenish skin was really incredible. These pumpkins would make a great companion to Luminas and Cinderella's carriage for fall decorations. |
| Positive | On Jan 1, 2006, rebecca101 from Madison, WI (Zone 5a) wrote: Beautiful and unusual winter squash. Looks kind of like a blue-grey pumpkin. Flattened with thick ribs. It has turned a mottled peach-blue for me after a few months of storage. Delicious too. |
| Neutral | On Nov 22, 2004, Farmerdill from Augusta, GA (Zone 8a) wrote: An older open pollinated wineter squash from Australia. (100 day) About 10 lbs, with slate gray rind and orange flesh. A good storage squash. |
| Positive | On Nov 22, 2004, Kachinagirl from Modesto, CA (Zone 8b) wrote: I highly recommend this for winter squash lovers. Mild, sweet, nutty flavor. It is large (whole one pictured weighed 15 lbs) and feeds many people!!!! This one was purchased at a fruit stand, but next year I will grow my own. |
| Positive | On Jan 5, 2004, Terry from Murfreesboro, TN (Zone 7a) wrote: Gorgeous blue/gray color and great pumpkin-esque shape combine to make this a wonderful feast for the eyes. With any luck, I'll be able to comment on its taste next winter... |
