Delica F1 is a kabocha-type squash from northern Italy, where it is sold by name in shops because the eating quality is that good. Dark green skin, dense orange flesh with a sweet, chestnut-like flavour. Stores for months in a cool room.
Vigorous and productive plants carry round fruits weighing 1 to 1.5kg each. Roast it, make soup, or cut it into chunks for a risotto. The flesh holds its shape when cooked, which makes it more versatile than watery butternut squash.
ðą Sowing depth: 2â3 cmâ
ð Sow (Ireland): under cover MarchâMay; plant out or sow direct late MayâJune after frost risk has passedâ
âïļ Light: full sunâ
ðĄïļ Germination: in warm conditions (typically 7â14 days with temperatures above 18â20 °C)â
ð Growth: vigorous vines; fruits round to slightly flattened, usually 1â2 kgâ
ðŠī Spacing: about 1â1.5 m between plants or hillsâ
âģ Harvest: around 90â110 days from planting, when skin is dark, hard and stalk is corky; flavour improves after a short curing periodâ
