Seeds
Chirimen Squash Seeds, Rare Japanese Kabocha Heirloom
$4.99
🌱 Open Pollinated
🧪 Germination Tested
📦 Ships in 1-3 Days
Free shipping on seed orders $30+ · Satisfaction guaranteed
Chirimen is one of Japan's most prized traditional squash varieties, a deeply ribbed, warted kabocha-type that has been grown for centuries in Japanese gardens. The name means "crepe" in Japanese, a reference to the distinctive crinkled, textured skin that makes each fruit look like it was carved rather than grown.
🛡️ Vine borer resistance, the solid stems of Cucurbita moschata can offer some resistance to squash vine borers, but plants still need monitoring for damage.
Cucurbita moschata varieties are generally less susceptible to squash vine borers than many other squash, but damage is still possible. Growing conditions and care matter. Why species predicts survival here.
✅ Germination Promise: if your seeds fail to germinate under proper growing conditions, contact us within one year and we will replace them or refund your purchase. See the details.
What makes Chirimen worth growing in a Kansas garden: it is Cucurbita moschata, which means it carries natural resistance to squash vine borers, the pest that wipes out most pumpkins before they even set fruit. You get the beauty and sweetness of a Japanese kabocha, with the toughness of a moschata vine.
About the Variety
- Dark green skin that ripens to rich bronze-orange as it matures
- Deeply ribbed and heavily warted exterior, each fruit looks genuinely one of a kind
- Dense, sweet orange flesh, dry texture, perfect for roasting, tempura, soups, and pies
- Fruits run 5–11 lbs each, with prolific vines producing 8 or more fruits per plant
- 100–120 days to maturity
- Excellent storage, keeps well into winter without refrigeration
Growing Notes
Direct sow after last frost, or start indoors 2–3 weeks early. Chirimen thrives in full sun with consistent moisture. As a Cucurbita moschata, it is highly resistant to squash vine borers and handles summer heat well. Harvest when skin hardens fully and stem begins to dry. Cure in a sunny spot for 10 days before storage.
In Your Kitchen
Chirimen's dense, dry flesh is the squash that cooks actually want. Roast it, steam it, use it in tempura or nimono. The flavor is deep, sweet, and slightly nutty, closer to a chestnut than a typical squash. It stores for months without losing quality.
What You'll Receive
Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO Chirimen Squash seeds packed for 2026. From our small-batch seed inventory at Autumn Prairie Pumpkins, Newton, Kansas.
Results depend on your soil, climate, and growing conditions. Not certified heirloom.
Compare your seed choices: Browse Cucurbita moschata pumpkin and squash seeds for more varieties, and check each listing for maturity, growing space and packet options.
Shipping & Satisfaction
We ship physical products via USPS from Newton, Kansas. Orders typically ship within 1 to 3 business days. Free shipping on seed orders $30+. Coffee ships at the paid rate shown at checkout. Shipping and taxes are calculated at checkout.
Seeds: Flat-rate shipping. Ships year-round.
Coffee: Packed fresh in Newton and shipped weekly.
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Growing Tips
Each seed packet includes detailed growing instructions. For additional help, visit our Growing Guides or reach out to us directly.
Grown and Tested in Kansas Zone 6b
Open-Pollinated and Non-GMO Free shipping on seed orders $30+ Family Homestead · Newton, KS
Seed life: 4 to 6 years stored cool, dry and dark. Germination is strongest in the first 2 to 3 years, so sow the freshest packet first and test older seed before you plan a bed around it.
Complete your patch
Most growers plant three or four varieties. Free shipping on seed orders $30+. Coffee ships at the paid rate shown at checkout. Shipping and taxes are calculated at checkout.
From the patch to the porch
A little something for your prairie day
Pair your seeds with pumpkin spice coffee for the morning and a 4.5 oz cold process soap bar for the end of the day.
Pumpkin Spice Soap
$7.99
