Winter Squash Seeds,
Black Futsu

Sow seeds in late spring or early summer after the last frost when soil temperatures are consistently above 60 F since squash is extremely sensitive to frost. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost and transplant them once the soil has warmed up sufficiently. Ensure that the planting site receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow seeds 1/2-1 inch deep in rows or hills, spacing plants 18-36 inches apart. If sowing directly outdoors, wait until the soil is warm and all frost danger has passed. For indoor starts, transplant seedlings after they have 3-4 true leaves. Be careful not to disturb the roots when transplanting. Use mulch to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature​.

Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells, and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent diseases like powdery mildew. Regular feeding with a balanced organic fertilizer will support healthy growth and fruit production. Consider trellising or using a sling to support the heavy fruit, and prune excess vines to improve airflow and focus the plant's energy on fruit development.

• There are four main species of squash: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, and C. mixta. They will not cross pollinate with each other, so it is possible to grow one of each species for seed saving without worrying about cross pollination.
• If you are planning to grow several varieties of more than one species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.
• Whether it is a summer or winter squash, you must let the fruit completely mature before extracting the seeds, and cure for at least two weeks.
• Scoop the seeds, place them in a bucket, and add just enough water to cover. Let sit at room temperature to ferment for two days before rinsing off the pulp.
• Lay seeds out to dry on newspaper or paper plates.
• Stored in a cool, dry place, seeds will remain viable for up to four years.