{"product_id":"chirimen-squash-seeds-rare-japanese-kabocha-heirloom","title":"Chirimen Squash Seeds, Rare Japanese Kabocha Heirloom","description":"\u003cp\u003eChirimen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Variety\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark green skin that ripens to rich bronze-orange as it matures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeeply ribbed and heavily warted exterior, each fruit looks genuinely one of a kind\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDense, sweet orange flesh, dry texture, perfect for roasting, tempura, soups, and pies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFruits run 5–11 lbs each, with prolific vines producing 8 or more fruits per plant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e100–120 days to maturity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent storage, keeps well into winter without refrigeration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDirect 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIn Your Kitchen\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChirimen'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You'll Receive\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO Chirimen Squash seeds packed for 2026. From our small-batch seed inventory at Autumn Prairie Pumpkins, Newton, Kansas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eResults depend on your soil, climate, and growing conditions. Not certified heirloom.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/growing-guides\/how-to-grow-chirimen-squash\"\u003eRead the full Chirimen Squash Growing Guide →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Autumn Prairie Pumpkins","offers":[{"title":"10 Seeds","offer_id":46756753637565,"sku":"APP-SEED-CMOS-CHIRIMEN-10","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20 Seeds","offer_id":46756753670333,"sku":"APP-SEED-CMOS-CHIRIMEN-20","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0749\/0335\/5581\/files\/Cucurbita-moschata-Chirimen_jpg.webp?v=1778639579","url":"https:\/\/autumnprairiepumpkins.com\/products\/chirimen-squash-seeds-rare-japanese-kabocha-heirloom","provider":"Autumn Prairie Pumpkins","version":"1.0","type":"link"}