{"product_id":"pumpkin-futsu-2123","title":"Pumpkin Futsu Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCucurbita moschata\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFutsu is a beautiful old Japanese heirloom Pumpkin prized for its extraordinary changing colour, deeply fluted shape and excellent eating quality. Fruits begin with very dark green skin, often appearing almost black, before gradually developing warm bronze, buff and orange tones as they mature and cure after harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeneath the striking skin is dense, fine-textured orange flesh with a rich, sweet and slightly nutty flavour. One of Futsu’s best qualities is that the flavour continues to develop after harvest, becoming sweeter and more complex during storage. It is superb roasted and equally suited to soups, curries, baking, purées and other savoury dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften known as Black Futsu or \u003cem\u003eFutsu Kurokawa\u003c\/em\u003e, this traditional Japanese variety belongs to \u003cem\u003eCucurbita moschata\u003c\/em\u003e, a species particularly well adapted to warm growing conditions. Its heavily ribbed, somewhat flattened fruits are highly ornamental and can vary considerably in colour as they cure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJapanese pumpkins are renowned for dense flesh and excellent culinary quality, and Futsu is no exception. Allowing the fruit a period of storage after harvest before eating can noticeably improve its sweetness and flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are vigorous trailing vines requiring warm conditions, full sun and plenty of room to spread. Like many \u003cem\u003eC. moschata\u003c\/em\u003e varieties, Futsu performs particularly well in warm and humid climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years before spreading throughout the world. Japan subsequently developed its own distinctive pumpkin culture and numerous locally selected varieties, including richly flavoured \u003cem\u003eC. moschata\u003c\/em\u003e types such as Futsu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 10 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 1–2 m between plants and plenty of additional room for the vigorous 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 once fruits are fully mature and the rind has hardened. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached and cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring curing and storage, the dark skin gradually develops bronze to orange tones and the flesh becomes sweeter. Store mature fruit in a cool, dry position with good airflow.\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":46649656049882,"sku":null,"price":3.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/download_e20925ae-1e0f-4dcc-9c13-e74829b2e456.jpg?v=1754016850","url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/products\/pumpkin-futsu-2123","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}