{"product_id":"pumpkin-delicata-1611","title":"Pumpkin Delicata Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCucurbita pepo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelicata is a much-loved heirloom winter squash producing attractive oblong fruits approximately 20 cm long and 7 cm wide. The creamy skin is patterned with distinctive dark green longitudinal stripes and flecks, while inside is sweet, golden flesh with a smooth, rich texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flavour is notably sweet and often described as somewhere between pumpkin and sweet potato, with a slightly nutty quality. Its convenient individual size makes Delicata particularly good for roasting and stuffing. Simply halve the fruit, remove the seeds and bake, or fill with grains, vegetables, herbs, cheese or meat. The flesh is also excellent in soups, curries and warm salads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of Delicata's great culinary advantages is its edible skin. When cooked, the relatively thin rind becomes tender enough to eat, so there is generally no need to peel the fruit before roasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelicata is an American heirloom dating to the late 19th century and was commercially introduced in the United States in the 1890s. After declining in popularity for a period, it enjoyed a resurgence as gardeners and cooks rediscovered its exceptional flavour, manageable fruit size and distinctive appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough commonly grouped with pumpkins and winter squash, Delicata belongs to \u003cem\u003eCucurbita pepo\u003c\/em\u003e, the same species that includes zucchini, many summer squashes and numerous ornamental gourds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 15 seeds per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Plant (Australia)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high\u003cbr\u003eSubtropics: Spring to summer\u003cbr\u003eMild climates: Spring to early summer after frost\u003cbr\u003eCold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \/ Sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–1.5 m between plants and provide room for the vines to spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest when the cream-coloured skin has developed its characteristic dark green markings, the rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut fruits from the vine with a section of stem attached.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow mature fruit to cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position before storing. Delicata can be stored after harvest, although its thinner skin means it generally does not keep as long as the hardest-skinned winter pumpkins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity: approximately 100 days.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDue to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eden Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Packet","offer_id":46649662406874,"sku":null,"price":3.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/V_Pumpkin_Delicata.jpg?v=1771900369","url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/products\/pumpkin-delicata-1611","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}