Tractor F1 is a neat tidy bush type that needs 12-13 weeks for fruits to mature. After this they can be stored for 3 months or so to take you through the winter. The lovely high quality red Kabocha type fruit have plenty of flesh that is easy to cut and de-seed. They are particularly good for steaming or soup making Price for 3 seeds
SOW: late April to the end of May, start 1 seed per pot or module. Keep moist but not waterlogged. Harden off & plant out in June in a sunny spot with lots of compost.
GROW: bush varieties are less likely to put out vines, if they do trim them off at about 50cm or after a bud or 2 have flowered. These are relatively speedy to mature (12-13 weeks). Harden them off as you would a pumpkin before storing; they can last 3 months
EAT: the fruits can be between 2kg & 4.5kg. Plenty of eating with a mild taste – we think they are best steamed or for soups, they are also a good choice for puree (and making a base for casseroles and hot pot meals)