{"product_id":"squash-black-futsu","title":"Squash - Black Futsu","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Seed Count: 15\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"24\" data-end=\"605\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"27\" data-end=\"127\"\u003eBlack Futsu is hard to beat.\u003c\/strong\u003e This ancient Japanese heirloom produces deeply ribbed fruits that begin dark green to nearly black and mature into a beautiful chestnut-brown color with a naturally frosted appearance. As the squash cures in storage, its flavor becomes even richer, developing sweet notes reminiscent of roasted chestnuts and hazelnuts. With exceptional taste, long storage life, and stunning appearance, Black Futsu has become a favorite among gardeners, chefs, and heirloom enthusiasts alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"607\" data-end=\"625\"\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"853\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"674\"\u003eSpecies: \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eCucurbita moschata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"675\" data-end=\"702\"\u003ePlant Type: Winter squash\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"703\" data-end=\"734\"\u003eDays to Maturity: 95–110 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"735\" data-end=\"761\"\u003eFruit Weight: 2–5 pounds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"814\"\u003eFruit Color: Dark green maturing to chestnut-brown\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"815\" data-end=\"853\"\u003eGrowth Habit: Vigorous vining plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"855\" data-end=\"872\"\u003eGrowing Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"874\" data-end=\"893\"\u003eStarting Seeds\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"894\" data-end=\"1090\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"894\" data-end=\"995\"\u003eDirect sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 70°F.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"996\" data-end=\"1063\"\u003eIn cooler climates, start indoors 2–3 weeks before transplanting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1064\" data-end=\"1090\"\u003ePlant seeds 1 inch deep.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"1092\" data-end=\"1105\"\u003ePlanting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1272\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1140\"\u003eChoose a location with full sun.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1141\" data-end=\"1171\"\u003eSpace plants 3–5 feet apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1172\" data-end=\"1211\"\u003eAllow ample room for vines to spread.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1212\" data-end=\"1272\"\u003eGrow in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"1274\" data-end=\"1297\"\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1455\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1325\"\u003eFull sun (8+ hours daily)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1326\" data-end=\"1346\"\u003eRich, fertile soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1347\" data-end=\"1407\"\u003eConsistent watering during flowering and fruit development\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1408\" data-end=\"1455\"\u003eMulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"1457\" data-end=\"1466\"\u003eCare\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1467\" data-end=\"1676\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1467\" data-end=\"1553\"\u003eFertilize throughout the growing season for strong vine growth and fruit production.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1554\" data-end=\"1608\"\u003eEncourage pollinator activity for optimal fruit set.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1609\" data-end=\"1676\"\u003eAvoid overhead watering when possible to reduce disease pressure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-start=\"1678\" data-end=\"1693\"\u003eHarvesting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1694\" data-end=\"1945\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1694\" data-end=\"1765\"\u003eHarvest when fruits have developed a hard rind and deep mature color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1766\" data-end=\"1834\"\u003eCut fruits from the vine, leaving several inches of stem attached.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"1881\"\u003eCure in a warm, dry location for 10–14 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1882\" data-end=\"1945\"\u003eFlavor improves significantly after several weeks of storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1947\" data-end=\"1958\"\u003eHistory\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1960\" data-end=\"2343\"\u003eBlack Futsu is a centuries-old heirloom from Japan and is considered one of the country's traditional squash varieties. For generations, it has been valued for its rich flavor, excellent storage qualities, and adaptability in the kitchen. Its unique appearance and exceptional taste have helped it gain popularity around the world among gardeners seeking rare and historic varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1960\" data-end=\"2343\"\u003eThank you to our friend Erika @JunesBlooms for sharing these beautiful photos with us! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1960\" data-end=\"2343\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beebe Seed Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49826213953775,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0707\/8451\/6335\/files\/FullSizeRender_9d841296-3614-4afc-ad84-2cb251d6d45a.jpg?v=1781885054","url":"https:\/\/beebeseeds.com\/products\/squash-black-futsu","provider":"Beebe Seed Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}