Seeds
Chirimen Squash Seeds, Rare Japanese Kabocha Heirloom
$4.99
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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.
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.
Shipping & Satisfaction
We ship seeds and coffee via USPS from Newton, Kansas. Orders typically ship within 1-2 business days.
Seeds: Flat-rate shipping. Ships year-round.
Coffee: Freshly roasted 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.