Squash est le nom commun de quatre espèces du genre Cucurbita qui appartient à la famille des Cucurbitaceae. Les courges sont originaires d'Amérique. Ils se caractérisent par des fleurs unisexuées, des tiges velues et un fruit charnu à écorce coriace. La courge est un type de fausse baie appelée pepo. Les courges varient considérablement en formes, tailles et couleurs.
Courges d'été et courges d'hiver
Les courges sont principalement classées en deux types qui sont les courges d'été et les courges d'hiver. On peut penser qu'ils ont été nommés en fonction de la saison où ils sont disponibles, mais en réalité, les deux types sont disponibles toute l'année. Les courges d'été sont appelées ainsi parce que leurs fruits sont prêts à être récoltés pendant les mois chauds de l'été, tandis que les fruits des courges d'hiver ne sont pas prêts à être récoltés avant la fin de l'été.
Les courges sont extrêmement nutritives avec des quantités importantes de vitamine C, de vitamine A, de riboflavine, de niacine et de fer. Cependant, avec leur apparence, leur arôme et leur goût étonnamment attrayants, ils offrent une expérience culinaire et visuelle unique.
Types de courges que vous pouvez cultiver
Les courges sont cultivées très couramment au potager. Ils sont très faciles à cultiver. Avant de cultiver des courges, vous devez avoir une bonne connaissance des types de courges. Cela vous permettrait de comprendre le type de courge que vous avez et vous pourrez préparer votre jardin en conséquence.
Une fois que vous avez jeté votre dévolu sur un type particulier de courge, assurez-vous de consulter cet article sur les 50 meilleurs magasins en ligne pour acheter des graines de citrouille et de courge.
1. Courgettes
La courgette est une courge d'été qui atteint une hauteur d'environ 1 m. La courgette est un cultivar de courge que l'on trouve en Irlande et en Grande-Bretagne. Il est connu sous le nom de bébé moelle en Afrique du Sud. La courgette est une courge de couleur vert clair ou foncé. La courgette dorée est un hybride de couleur orange ou jaune foncé. La courgette est cuite comme un légume. Il peut être utilisé dans de nombreuses recettes délicieuses.
Ils sont originaires du Mexique et d'Amérique centrale et sont cultivés aux États-Unis pendant la saison chaude. Les zones de croissance de la courgette sont de 2 à 12. Elle nécessite un sol riche en compost et bien drainé. Ils ont besoin d'au moins 1 pouce d'eau par semaine. L'exigence de pH pour la croissance optimale de cette plante est de 6,0 à 7,5. Il préfère pousser dans les zones qui reçoivent le plein soleil. Les plants de courgettes ont besoin d'au moins 1 pouce d'eau par semaine.
Étant donné que la courgette aime le temps chaud, les graines doivent être plantées lorsque la température du sol est de 65 à 70 degrés. Dans les zones où les températures sont plus chaudes, deux cultures de courgettes sont plantées, l'une au printemps et l'autre à l'automne. Cependant, dans les régions tempérées (zone 6 ou inférieure), la courgette est plantée en été (généralement en mai).
2. Courge musquée
Le nom scientifique de la courge musquée est Cucurbita moschata. Il est connu sous le nom de courge musquée ou gramma en Nouvelle-Zélande et en Australie. C'est une courge d'hiver qui pousse sur des vignes, atteignant jusqu'à 15 pieds de longueur. La courge musquée a une peau de couleur jaune clair avec une chair orange. Lorsqu'il est mûr, il devient d'une couleur orange plus foncée. Techniquement, la courge musquée est un fruit mais elle est cuisinée dans de nombreuses recettes comme un légume comme les soupes, les tartes, les muffins, etc.
Les courges musquées sont largement cultivées au Japon, en Amérique tropicale et dans certains districts des États-Unis. Ils sont assez faciles à cultiver. Comme ce sont des plantes d'été, elles doivent être plantées lorsque la température du sol est de 60 à 65 degrés à une profondeur de 4 pouces. Ils ont besoin d'un sol fertile et bien drainé, ayant un pH de 6,0 à 6,8. La courge musquée pousse mieux dans les zones qui reçoivent le plein soleil.
Les semis gèleraient au moindre gel, donc une température chaude est extrêmement cruciale.
3. Courge spaghetti
La courge spaghetti est une courge d'hiver originaire d'Amérique centrale et du Mexique. Il a des vignes courtes qui ont une habitude de croissance droite et robuste. La plante pousse à environ 2 pieds de haut et 3 pieds de large. Les courges spaghetti peuvent varier du jaune ocre à l'orange. Ils ont été nommés ainsi parce que la chair de ces courges ressemble à des spaghettis.
Les courges spaghetti ont besoin d'un sol fertile et bien drainé pour une meilleure croissance. La préférence pour le pH du sol est de 6,0 à 6,8. Ils ont besoin d'une exposition au soleil pour une croissance optimale. Ils doivent être plantés après le dernier gel. Le bon moment pour commencer à semer des courges spaghetti est mai. Ces courges peuvent être cuites de différentes façons et sont utilisées dans de nombreuses recettes.
4. Courge poivrée
La courge poivrée est également connue sous le nom de courge poivrée ou courge Des Moines. C'est un type de courge d'hiver ayant des crêtes longitudinales distinctives sur sa surface extérieure verte et une riche chair de couleur jaune-orange. Les courges poivrées mesurent environ quatre à sept pouces de long.
La courge poivrée est originaire d'Amérique centrale et d'Amérique du Nord. Les graines de courge poivrée ont besoin de chaleur pour germer. Ils doivent être plantés lorsque la température du sol a atteint au moins 60 degrés. Ils ont besoin d'un sol très riche pour leur croissance. Vous devrez fertiliser le sol régulièrement pour obtenir la meilleure croissance de ces courges. En plus d'être exposées au plein soleil, ces courges ont besoin d'un pH du sol de 5,5 à 6,8 pour une croissance optimale.
La courge poivrée est principalement consommée cuite, mais peut également être sautée, cuite à la vapeur ou au micro-ondes. Il est utilisé dans de nombreuses recettes salées.
5. Courge Delicata
La courge Delicata, comme son nom l'indique, est une variété de courge délicate originaire d'Amérique centrale et d'Amérique du Nord. C'est un plant de vigne; par conséquent, il nécessite beaucoup d'espace pour se développer. La courge Delicata a une peau de couleur crème avec des rayures vertes ou oranges. La chair de cette courge est de couleur jaune pâle. Il mesure généralement 6 pouces de long et 3 pouces de large. Ça a beaucoup le goût de la patate douce. En fait, on l'appelle parfois courge de patate douce ou courge cacahuète.
Comme les autres variétés de courges, la courge Delicata pousse mieux par temps chaud. Selon le département américain de l'Agriculture, ces courges relèvent des zones de rusticité 8 à 10. Les graines de courges Delicata doivent être plantées lorsque le sol s'est réchauffé à une température d'au moins 65 à 70 degrés. Si les graines sont plantées trop tôt lorsque le temps n'est pas assez chaud, les graines pourriront et le gel entraînera le gel des semis.
Ces types de courges ont besoin d'un sol fertile et bien drainé pour pousser et suffisamment humide. Contrairement aux autres variétés de courges décrites ci-dessus, elles ont besoin d'un endroit abrité pour pousser car elles ne peuvent pas résister aux vents violents.
La courge délicate est principalement consommée cuite, mais elle peut également être cuite à la vapeur ou sautée. Cette courge est utilisée dans de nombreuses recettes en raison de son goût sucré.
Cliquez ici pour acheter des graines de courge Delicata sur Amazon.
Lecture supplémentaire :comment faire pousser des courges delicata
6. Courge Buttercup
La courge Buttercup est une courge d'hiver au goût sucré, d'où son nom Buttercup. Elles sont appelées courges turban en raison de la présence d'un bonnet sur le dessus. Il a une peau épaisse de couleur verte avec une chair orange foncé. La courge renoncule mesure généralement 6 pouces de long et 4 pouces de large. Cette variété de courges est originaire d'Amérique du Nord. Le fruit va sur de longues vignes d'environ 24 pouces de longueur. La courge buttercup mûre est un fruit bicolore avec une peau de couleur vert grisâtre et une chair de couleur orange.
Ces courges poussent bien dans un sol fertile, meuble et bien drainé, ayant un pH compris entre 5,5 et 6,5. Il lui faut un sol riche en matière organique. Il préfère pousser dans des endroits où l'exposition au soleil est complète. Lors de la plantation des graines, quatre à cinq graines doivent être plantées dans un seul monticule. Une fois les semis produits, les plus faibles sont retirés dans le but d'éclaircir la croissance.
Étant donné que la chair de la courge musquée a un goût sucré, c'est une variété populaire utilisée dans de nombreux plats différents.
Cliquez ici pour acheter de la courge Buttercup sur Gurneys.
Lire la suite :Comment faire pousser la courge buttercup
7. Courge pâtissière
La courge pâtissière est également connue sous le nom de courge Sunburst, courge pétoncle, courge bouton et courge blanche. Ils sont un type de courge d'été. C'est une courge ancestrale amérindienne. Ils sont nés il y a 10 000 ans au Mexique. On les trouve dans les variétés vertes, jaunes et blanches. Ils sont de petite taille et ont une forme similaire à celle d'une soucoupe volante. Ils poussent sur des vignes qui s'étendent sur environ 4 à 6 pieds.
Ils poussent mieux dans un sol riche et bien drainé, en plein soleil. Ils sont plantés dans un groupe de deux à trois graines qui sont plantées à environ 2 à 3 pieds de distance. La courge pâtissière est utilisée dans de nombreuses recettes et est également utilisée comme contenant décoratif pour certains aliments.
8. Courge Chayote
Le nom scientifique de la courge Chayote est Sechium edule et est également connue sous le nom de courge mirliton. Il est cultivé dans de nombreux États des États-Unis, notamment en Floride, en Californie, en Louisiane et dans toute l'Asie de l'Est et du Sud. Il est originaire d'Amérique latine.
C'est une vigne vivace qui a une croissance étalée, ce qui signifie qu'elle nécessite beaucoup d'espace pour se propager. Le fruit est de couleur vert pâle à blanc et est en forme de poire. Les vignes peuvent atteindre jusqu'à 50 pieds.
La courge chayote a besoin d'un sol bien drainé qui retient suffisamment d'humidité pour une meilleure croissance. Il nécessite le plein soleil. Cependant, il peut également pousser à l'ombre partielle mais le rendement sera plus faible. Le pH du sol doit être compris entre 6,0 et 6,8,
La chayote doit être plantée lorsque le dernier gel est passé et que le sol s'est réchauffé à au moins 65 degrés. Il donne une croissance optimale en été, lorsque la température est chaude dans les régions tropicales ou subtropicales comme la Californie, la Floride et la côte du Golfe.
La chayotte est principalement utilisée cuite légèrement pour conserver son croustillant. La courge chayote crue est également utilisée dans les salades, mais cette utilisation n'est pas très courante. Ils ont également une certaine importance médicinale car ils ont des propriétés anti-inflammatoires, diurétiques et cardiovasculaires.
9. Courge gemme
La courge gemme est un type de courge d'été qui a été domestiquée à partir de deux variétés sauvages de courges qui sont; Cucurbita Texana (originaire du sud et du centre des États-Unis) et Cucurbita fraterna (originaire du Mexique). C'est un petit fruit de couleur vert foncé, ayant une chair de couleur jaune-vert. Il est si dur qu'il ne peut pas être mangé cru ou mi-cuit.
La courge gemme prend beaucoup de place dans le site de culture car ses vignes s'étendent largement. Ils ne tolèrent pas le gel et doivent être plantés lorsque le dernier gel est passé et que le sol s'est considérablement réchauffé. Il lui faut un sol fertile, riche et bien drainé. Ils ont besoin d'une exposition au soleil pour pousser, sinon ils pourriront.
La courge gemme est servie comme légume bouilli ou cuit au four en Afrique du Sud. Ils sont cuits après avoir été coupés en deux en raison de leur peau dure.
10. Courge kuri rouge
Red Kuri Squash est une courge d'hiver largement cultivée en Californie, dans le sud-ouest du Colorado, en Floride, aux Tonga, au Mexique, au Japon, en Tasmanie, au Chili, en Afrique du Sud, en Nouvelle-Zélande et en Provence. Il ressemble à une petite citrouille en apparence, mais sans crêtes. C'est une courge de couleur orange vif qui a une saveur très délicate de châtaigne. La chair est de couleur jaune vif.
Il est également connu sous le nom de courge Hokkaido orange, courge japonaise, courge bébé hubbard et courge Uchiki kuri. Au Japon, le mot kuri peut désigner les courges ou les châtaignes japonaises. D'ailleurs, on l'appelle potimarron en France, et onion squash au Royaume-Uni.
La plante peut atteindre une hauteur de 8 à 16 pouces. Ils préfèrent pousser dans un sol riche et bien drainé et dans des zones exposées au plein soleil. Il est très sensible au gel et vous devez vous assurer que le dernier gel est passé avant de les planter. Ils aiment la chaleur et doivent donc être plantés lorsque les températures sont assez chaudes.
Les courges kuri rouges sont très nutritives. Ils sont utilisés dans un certain nombre de recettes, notamment les soupes, les casseroles et les ragoûts.
11. Courge banane
La courge banane est une variété de courge d'hiver qui ressemble à une grosse banane. Ils peuvent devenir très gros, avec une taille moyenne d'environ 60 à 91 cm de longueur et 10 à 22 cm de largeur. Ils sont cylindriques et de forme légèrement incurvée. Les courges bananes sont originaires d'Amérique du Sud. Depuis son introduction, les courges bananes sont les plus populaires dans les États de l'ouest de l'Amérique du Nord. La courge banane rose est aussi appelée Plymouth Rock ou Mexican Banana.
Les quartiers de saumon peuvent être bleus, rose saumon, jaunes ou panachés selon la variété avec une chair orange ferme.
La courge banane a besoin de beaucoup d'espace pour pousser. Il pousse sur des vignes qui peuvent s'étendre sur environ 12 à 15 pieds de large. Ils ont besoin d'un sol riche et fertile qui s'est considérablement réchauffé à environ 65 degrés. L'exposition au soleil doit être complète pour une croissance maximale des courges bananes.
La courge banane a surtout des usages culinaires. Ils sont consommés cuits à la vapeur, cuits au four, grillés, rôtis, cuits au four ou frits. Ils sont généralement tranchés ou coupés en rondelles ou en cubes et ajoutés aux ragoûts et aux soupes.
Vous pouvez acheter des graines de courge banane sur Amazon.
12. Courge Carnaval
La courge Carnival est une courge poivrée colorée. La peau extérieure d'une courge de carnaval est tachetée de vert, de jaune, d'or et de blanc. Il est si attrayant et accrocheur qu'il est utilisé à des fins décoratives. Cependant, les courges de carnaval ne sont pas seulement utilisées pour les décorations. Leur goût s'améliore au stockage, ce qui en fait une excellente courge à utiliser dans une variété de recettes.
Ce sont des courges qui aiment l'été et, comme les autres variétés de courges, elles doivent être plantées lorsque le dernier gel de la saison est passé. Les graines doivent être plantées dans un sol chaud qui a une température d'au moins 70 degrés. Ils ont besoin d'un sol bien entretenu, bien arrosé et fertile pour une croissance maximale.
Une courge carnaval mûre a une peau très dure, à tel point que vous pouvez dire qu'elle est complètement mûre quand vous ne pouvez pas la piquer avec votre ongle.
Vous pouvez acheter des graines de courge Carnival sur Amazon.
13. Courge Patidou
La courge patidou est plus connue sous le nom de courge boulette sucrée. C'est une petite variété de courges d'hiver. Il pousse à une moyenne de 4 pouces de diamètre. La peau de la courge boulette sucrée est généralement blanche avec des marques jaunes, vertes et orange. Des lobes audacieux, creux et festonnés constituent la surface extérieure de ces courges. La chair est de couleur orange et de texture plutôt lisse.
Les courges boulettes sucrées sont des courges à croissance vigoureuse qui se propagent rapidement. Les vignes des courges boulettes sucrées ne sont pas aussi longues que les autres variétés. Ils ont besoin d'un sol bien drainé et riche avec une humidité modérée.
Comme ils aiment le temps chaud, ils peuvent être cultivés dans un climat de dessert tropical, subtropical, tempéré et méditerranéen. Ils peuvent être cultivés dans les régions des zones de rusticité 4 ou plus. Le besoin en eau est moyen. Cependant, ils ont besoin du plein soleil pour une meilleure croissance.
Vous pouvez acheter des graines de Patidou sur Amazon.
14. Turban Squash
Turban squash, or Turk’s turban, or French turban (Giraumon) is one of the most attractive of all squashes. They are brightly colored fruits that are found in different colors. Their lower bodies are usually a single color, orange or reddish-orange while the upper turban or the upper body is beige with streaks in dark green and reddish-orange colors. Other common names of this squash are Turk’s cap and Mexican Hat.
Turban squashes are Heirloom. As much as they look like something from outer space, they actually originated in Central and North America. They are mostly used for ornamental purposes, owing to their remarkable colors and shape. However, they also taste wonderful hence they are also used in numerous recipes.
These plants should be grown in full sun. They also require a very rich soil that should also be well-drained. For the best growth of Turban squashes, the soil needs to be treated with fertilizer regularly. They require a lot of maintenance, with regular watering. The soil has to be kept moist but not wet. If they are not watered adequately, the fruit may ripen prematurely.
You can buy Turban squash seeds on Amazon.
Read more:How to grow turban squash
15. Kabocha Squash
Kabocha squash is a Japanese variety of winter squashes. In Japan, Kabocha could mean this squash, a western pumpkin, or any other squash. They are similar to pumpkins in shape. They have a hard, knobbly looking skin that has a dull finish. The skin is dark green in color with celadon-to-white stripes. The flesh of kabocha squash is an intense shade of yellow-orange.
Kabocha squashes are primarily grown in South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Hawaii, Florida, California, Mexico, Tongo, Southwestern Colorado, Tasmania, New Zealand, Jamaica, Chile, and South Africa.
They need full sun exposure for growth. The garden should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight during the day. They grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. They need to be watered once a week. They will rot if waterlogging occurs, therefore the soil should be well-drained and not too wet. The soil pH should be 6.0 to 6.5.
Kabocha squashes are sweeter than the butternut squashes. The texture of the flesh is similar to a pumpkin and sweet potato. Kabocha is more commonly used in recipes of side dishes like soups.
You can buy Kabocha squash seeds on Amazon.
Read more:How to Grow Kabocha Squash
16. Round Zucchini
Round zucchini is a zucchini variety that is unusually shaped. Unlike the elongated zucchini, a round zucchini is fairly small and round in size. It has a richer and sweeter taste compared to its elongated cousin. They are quite easy to grow. The round zucchini has a dark green colored skin with pale yellow flesh.
These squashes require rich, fertile, and well-drained soil for optimum growth. The soil should be moderately moist. The fruits taste best when they are still very small. Moreover, plucking young fruits promotes continued production. They grow in warm weather, therefore, the seeds should be planted in late spring.
Round zucchini can be used in salad or it can be baked or stir-fried. It works great for stuffed zucchini recipes because of its round shape.
You can buy Round zucchini seeds on Amazon.
17. Yellow Summer Squash
Yellow summer squash is a summer variety that is bright yellow in color. Unlike winter squashes, the yellow summer squashes do not spread vigorously. They are bushy plants that produce fruit within 7 weeks of planting. They are easy to grow. The best thing about these squashes is that the more you pluck them out, the more fruit they will produce.
They come in various shapes and sizes and all of them taste best when they are young and tender. Like all other squashes, these squashes are summer loving. The seeds should be planted when the last frost has passed and the soil has become warmer. Yellow summer squashes require full sun, rich, and consistently moist soil for best growth.
They are used mostly for culinary purposes.
You can buy Yellow summer squash seeds on Amazon.
18. Cousa Squash
Cousa squash is a summer squash variety that is similar to zucchini in taste. It has a light green colored skin. They require a very fertile soil that is rich in compost and manure. The soil should be well-watered. The seeds of Cousa squash should be planted in warmer seasons when the temperature of the soil is at least 70 degrees.
It is used just like zucchini. Its origin lies in the Middle East. It is very popular in Syrian and Lebanese recipes.
You can buy Cousa squash seeds on Amazon.
19. Tromboncino Squash
Other common names of Tromboncino squash are zucchetta rampicante, climbing crookneck, climbing zucchini, serpentine squash, trombetta, and trombolino d'albenga. It is used as a summer squash most often. However, it has a vining growth habit which is unlike other summer squashes and very much like winter squashes.
Trombincino squash is an heirloom that originally belongs to Liguria but is still popular all over Italy and other parts of the world.
The color of the fruit is pale green which fades to beige when the fruit matures. It is plucked from the plant when it is one foot long. However, if left to grow further, they can grow o become as big as 3 feet long. These squashes are used in many recipes.
They are not winter-hardy and grow best in warm weather. They need full sun exposure for maximum growth. Seeds should be sowed when the soil is warm. The ideal pH for their growth is 6.0 to 6.8.
You can buy Tromboncino squash seeds on Amazon.
20. Zephyr Squash
Zephyr squash is one of a kind squash. It carries genes of delicate, acorn, and crookneck species. A zephyr squash is a cross between yellow crookneck species and a hybrid of yellow Acorn squash and Delicata squash. Its neck is crooked to about 5 to 8 inches. It is pale green at the blossom end and yellow at the stem end. Faint white lines run longitudinally across its length.
It has an open habit of growth. Like all other varieties of squashes, a Zephyr squash is also a warm season hybrid. The seeds should be sowed when the climate and the temperature of the soil are warm. They need regular fertilizing and watering for best growth. Once the fruit is produced, it should be harvested a few times during the week.
Zephyr squashes can be used raw or cooked. You can eat it boiled, sautéed, steamed, or fried (pan-fried or deep-fried).
You can buy Zephyr squash seeds on Amazon.
21. Ambercup Squash
Ambercup squash is closely related to buttercup squash. You can call these two squashes relatives. It is quite small in size, resembling a small pumpkin. It has an orange colored skin and an even brighter orange-colored flesh. Tan blotches can be seen on its surface along with slightly indented ribs.
Ambercup squashes can grow to about 20cm in width and 12.5cm in height. These squashes grow on vines and spread rapidly.
They are mostly eaten fried. Ambercup squashes have an amazing texture and taste, having no stringiness. The sweet and mild flavor and the gorgeous color make it a popular type of edible squash.
Being closely related to buttercup squashes, its growth requirements and maintenance is also similar to that of buttercup squash.
22. Crookneck Squash
A Crookneck squash is a summer squash variety that does not grow long, spreading vines. It is a bushy plant with leaves as wide as 1 to 2 feet wide. It has an upright growth habit. The fruit sets at the base of the plant. It has a sweet, buttery taste that makes it a popular type of squash for various dishes. The fruit is usually 4 to 6 inches in length and 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The skin is bright yellow color and the flesh is cream in color and bumpy in texture.
Bring a summer loving squash variety, they are found commonly in regions that have long and warm summers.
Crookneck squash requires at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun exposure. There, they should be planted in sunny areas. Although it does not take up a lot of ground space, the broad leaves are enough to take up as much space as 3 to 4 feet. It requires a rich soil that should be treated with plenty of compost when planting.
You can buy Crookneck squash seeds on Amazon.
23. Calabaza Pumpkin
Calabaza pumpkin is a winter squash. It is also known as calabassa or the West Indian Pumpkin. It is most commonly grown in tropical America, West Indies, and the Philippines. In Florida, Philippines, and Puerto Rico, Calabaza is a common name for Curcubita moschata. Curcubita moschata is known as ayote in Central America, auyama in Dominican Republic, zapaito in South America, and Calabash or squash in all English-speaking islands.
The word calabaza has been derived from melon (kharbuz) which is a Persian word. The French term is calabasse. Hence the English word, calabash.
This plant has long vines which can grow to become as long as 15m. The fruit may be oblate, oval, obovate, spheroid, or elliptic. The color of the rind varies from dark green to light orange when it starts to mature. The flesh is green-yellow or orange in color.
Calabaza pumpkin requires very fertile soil to grow. The soil should be fertilized and treated with compost prior to planting. Like other winter squash varieties, it requires full sun exposure for maximum growth.
Calabaza pumpkin can be used in various recipes like soups, cakes, and even candies because of its smooth and sweet taste.
You can buy Calabaza pumpkin seeds on Amazon.
Click here to buy Calabaza pumpkin seeds on Amazon.
24. Waltham Butternut Squash
Waltham butternut squash is a winter squash. It is butternut squash with a more profound taste, improved uniformity, and better yields. The plant spreads to about 48 to 60 inches. Waltham butternut squash fruit is typically 12 to 15 inches long, weighing around 6 pounds. The outer skin is usually a pale orange color with a bright orange colored flesh.
Waltham butternut squash needs full sun exposure for maximum growth. The soil should be rich and very fertile. Moreover, the seeds should be planted when the climate is warmer and the temperature of the soil is also high. Since squashes take up a lot of nutrients from the soil, they should be planted in areas where o squash varieties have been grown for at least 2 years.
Waltham butternut squash is used in many recipes such as soups, pies, muffins, casseroles, and bread.
You can buy Waltham butternut squash seeds on Amazon.
Read more:When and How to Harvest Butternut Squash
25. Cocozelle Squash
Cocozelle squash is a summer squash. It is an Italian heirloom. The fruit is light green in color with dark green stripes. Cocozelle squash has a pleasant nutty flavor that makes it a commonly used culinary squash. It is perfect for steaming, frying, canning, and freezing. The size of the fruit is usually 5 to 7 inches. It falls in hardiness zones of 3 to 11.
It requires warm to hot temperatures to grow. The seeds should be planted when there are no chances of any more frost. The soil temperature should be 70 degrees when the seeds are planted. The Cocozelle squash should be planted in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct, hot sunlight. Cocozelle squashes are heavy feeders hence they require a very rich and fertile soil for best growth.
They have a spreading growth habit, therefore, they take up a lot of space and are not suitable for small gardens.
You can buy Cocozelle squash seeds on Amazon.
26. Luffa Squash
Loofah sponge that you use at home comes from none other than the Luffa squash. Luffa is also known as Loofah or loofah. It refers to two species of gourd:Luffa aegyptiaca and Luffa cyclindrica. It is quite popular in China and Vietnam.
Luffa aegyptiaca is also called angled luffa, Chinese Okra, ridged luffa, or vegetable gourd). Luffa cylindrica is also known as smooth luffa, dishrag gourd, Egyptian luffa, or gourd loofa. Angled luffa has ridges that run along the entire length while smooth luffa has a round profile.
Luffa species have a vining growth habit that grows vigorously. They are considered cousins of squashes.
They prefer growing in moist, but well-drained soil, in areas that receive full sun. the soil should be rich in compost and manure. They are not suitable for small gardens because of their rapidly growing long vines.
The luffa squash has green skin with spongy, light-brown colored interior. They are used to make sponges and loofahs. Dried fiber from luffa can also be used to make table mats, filters, sandals, and similar other products.
You can buy Luffa squash seeds on Amazon.
27. Table Queen Squash
Table Queen squash is an heirloom acorn squash that has a dark green rind and a yellow colored flesh. The flesh turns orange upon storage. The skin of the fruit is ribbed. Table queen squash fruit is usually 6 inches long.
Table Queen squash has a vining growth habit. It grows to a height of 10 to 12 inches and can spread 48 to 60 inches wide. Like all other varieties of squash that have been discussed, these squashes also need warm weather to grow. They need full sun exposure for the best growth, along with highly fertile soil. They are heavy feeders hence soil has to be rich in compost and manure. The best area to plant these squashes is where no other squash varieties have been grown for at least 2 years.
Table Queen squash has a sweet taste that makes it a common squash used in culinary.
You can buy Table Queen squash seeds on Amazon.
28. Tatuma Squash
Tatuma squash, also known as Tatume squash of White Mexican Squash is a popular Mexican variety. It looks like zucchini but its sweeter in taste and fairly larger. The skin is dark green in color with even darker longitudinal stripes running along its length. It may be round or oblong. The flesh of Tatuma squash is whiter than that of Zucchini.
Tatuma squash requires a rich soil that is rich in compost, well-rotted manure, or fertilizer. Full sun exposure is required for the growth of these squashes.
Tatuma squash is one of the most popular squash varieties that are used in Mexican dishes.
You can buy Tatuma squash seeds on WestWind Seeds and Gardenscapes.
Click here to buy Tatauma squash seeds on West Wind Seeds.
29. Straightneck Squash
Straightneck squash is a variety of Yellow Summer squash. They bear yellow colored fruits that have a tapered neck.
The Straightneck squashes prefer a soil that is rich in humus and is well-drained. The pH range of the soil that is suitable for the growth of Straightneck squash is 6.0 to 6.5. They require plenty of sunlight for growth and thrive best in areas that receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day.
The seeds of Straightneck squash would not germinate if the temperature of the soil is lower than 60 degrees. They are summer loving squashes and hence they need warmer temperatures o grow. The soil should be kept moist but not too wet until the germination of seeds occurs. They are high maintenance squashes that need to be watered twice a week.
They have a subtle taste. They can be eaten raw or cooked. It can be sliced and layered in lasagna or can be added into salads. It is a versatile fruit that can be used in any way you like.
You can buy Straightneck squash seeds on Amazon
30. Eight Ball Squash
Eight Ball squash is a type of round zucchini. It has a glossy, smooth outer skin that is deep-forest green in color. The flesh of this squash is creamy white, having light green hues. The seeds are almost negligible. It has a very sweet, buttery taste that becomes more profound with cooking. The size of the fruits is 3 to 4 inches. The smaller ones taste the best!
They are a summer specialty. They require full sun for best growth. The seeds should be sowed when the temperature of the climate and the soil has turned warmer. A warm temperature is necessary for the germination of seeds. The soil should be fertile and well-drained. Eight Ball Squash needs a moist soil but a soil that is too wet may cause the seeds to rot.
This variety has been quite popular in Europe but it has become a successful commercial variety that is being sold in the United States.
It is a highly versatile variety that can be used raw, cooked, baked, stuffed, or steamed!
You can buy Eight Ball squash seeds on Amazon
31. Blue Banana Squash
Blue Banana squash varieties are shaped like a banana, only a lot larger. They have a slate-blue colored rind, having lighter colored stripes with deep orange flesh on the inside. The fruits are a large size, usually 20 inches long. The fruits are sweet in taste.
Blue Banana squashes can be traced back to Peru, from where they were traded all over America. Like all squashes, this variety also requires a full sun exposure for growth. The soil should be warm enough. The seeds should be planted after the danger of frost has completely passed. The soil should be fertile and well-drained.
These squashes are perfect for making purees for pies and soups, for baking, frying, and roasting.
You can buy Blue Banana squash seeds on Amazon.
32. Green Hubbard Squash
Green Hubbard squash is a winter squash variety. It is also known as a Green Pumpkin, owing to its green colored outer skin and a sweet taste like that of a pumpkin. Green Hubbard squashes are huge in size and can weigh as much as 50 pounds. Their outer skin is extremely hard which makes it suitable to be stored for up to 6 months.
Green Hubbard squashes are highly nutritious and wonderful in taste. The flesh is extremely sweet in taste and is used to make delicious pies!
It has its origins in South America or the West Indies. They require full, warm sun for the best growth. The soil should be rich and very well-drained. It needs an area that has plenty of open space because its vines grow long. Throughout the duration when you are growing this squash, you will need to keep the soil moisture consistent otherwise the seeds will dry out and die.
You can buy Green Hubbard squash seeds on Amazon
33. Green-Striped Cushaw Squash
Green-Striped Cushaw squash is a winter squash that is native to the tropics of the United States. It is grown in southern and southwestern United States. The skin of these squashes is white-green, having mottled green colored stripes. The flesh of Green-Striped Cushaw is light yellow in color.
Since this heirloom squash hails from the Caribbean, it can tolerate humid conditions well. This squash needs a very specific pH range for the best growth. The pH range is 6.0 to 7.5. if the soil does not have this pH, it should be amended. The soil should be fertile and moist. Seeds should be sowed when the temperature of the soil is at least 60 degrees.
It has a mild, sweet taste that makes it suitable to be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
You can buy Green-Striped Cushaw squash seeds on Amazon.
34. Romanesco Squash
Romanesco squash is an Italian heirloom squash. It is a type of summer squash. It is distinguished by a bulbous blossom end. The fruit has ridges on its surfaces. The outer skin is dark green in color with a pale colored inner flesh.
Being a squash, the growth requirements are similar to other squash varieties. The seeds should be planted when the soil temperatures are about 70 degrees. The soil has to be consistently moist and fertile for the best growth results. The sun exposure has to be pronounced because these squashes, like all other, are summer loving that grow best in warm climates.
The flesh of Romanesco squash is creamy and has a sweet, nutty flavor that makes it suitable to be eaten raw or cooked. It is used in a number of different recipes that are delicious and mouth-watering!
You can buy Romanesco squash seeds on Amazon.
35. Moranga Squash
Moranga squash is a traditional squash from Brazil. It is also known as the Pink Pumpkin. The color of these squashes ranges from pink to salmon. The flesh is orange in color.
The Moranga squash requires full sun exposure, fertile, and well-drained soil for optimal growth. If the soil is not fertile enough, fertilizer should be added to ensure the plant gets enough nutrients to yield the best fruits.
This squash is a preferred squash type for a number of Brazilian dishes. it can be stored for long periods of time. Moreover, because of their pretty appearance, they make a popular decorative squash as well.
Moranga squash seeds are rare and quite hard to find. You can get them at Rareseeds.
36. Raven Zucchini
Raven zucchini is a bushy plant that does not spread vigorously all around the garden. These squashes are cylindrical in shape and are dark green in color. Their outer skin is glossy and smooth. The flesh is tender and pale.
Raven zucchini can be planted when the weather has turned warm with day and night temperatures at least 50 degrees. The need full sun and warm climate to grow. The soil should be fertile, moist, and well-drained. The soil should be fertilized and amended with compost before the seeds are sowed.
The Raven zucchini lose taste as they grow in size, therefore, they should be harvested when young (not more than 5 inches long). They are delicious in taste and can be eaten raw, grilled, steamed. They are scrumptious, no matter how you eat them.
You can buy Raven zucchini squash seeds on Amazon.
37. Astia Squash
Astia squash is a French bush variety of zucchini. It has been developed to be grown in small space gardens and containers. The vines of these plants are compact and have high ornamental value owing to its silvery-green leaves.
The fruit is deep green in color on the outer surface. The skin is extremely smooth and glossy. Astia squash has excellent flavor.
Astia squashes are planted in fairly warm weather, after ensuring that the soil is warmed up to allow seed germination. When planting in containers, good, fertile soil should be used to sow seeds. The containers should be placed in an area that receives full sun. Moreover, the plants should be watered with caution because if the soil becomes too moist, the seeds will rot.
With a delicious taste, these squashes taste amazing when grilled, baked, steamed, or sautéed. They can be roasted or even topped on pizza.
You can buy Astia squash seeds on Amazon.
38. Caserta Squash
Caserta squash is a summer squash variety. It is a bush type plant rather than spreading vine type. Caserta squashes are about 16 inches in length. They are gray-green in color, having dark green stripes running across the length.
They are easy to grow and easy to maintain types of squashes. The seeds are to be planted in warm soil when the temperature is about 70 degrees. They are heavy feeders, which means that the soil should be highly fertile. If the soil quality is poor, it needs to amended and fertilized. They require regular watering.
Caserta quashes are very flavorful. They are extremely popular in Italy where they are used in numerous recipes.
You can buy Caserta squash seeds on Amazon.
39. Ash Gourd Pumpkin
Ash Gourd Pumpkin is more commonly known as Wax Gourd. Other common names are White Gourd, Ash Gourd, Ash Pumpkin, Chinese Preserving Melon, and Winter Melon. It has a very large fruit that can grow to be as big as 80cm in length. A mature Ash Gourd has a very smooth, waxy outer skin hence the name Wax Gourd. The skin is dark green in color while pale flesh, which is usually bland in taste.
It is native to Southeast and South Asia. It is thought to have originated in Japan and Java.
Ash Gourd requires well-drained, loamy, and sandy soil for best growth. It prefers growing in warmer climates. They are mostly found growing in furrows or riverbeds. They need constant watering during their growing season.
Ash Gourd is widely used as a vegetable all over Asia. It is cooked in a variety of ways, as a part of many recipes. Not just culinary uses, Ash Gourd also have medicinal importance in the Ayurveda System of Medicine.
You can buy Ash Gourd Pumpkin seeds on Amazon.
40. White Custard Squash
White Custard Squash is a type of Patty pan Squash. It is a bush type squash that produces flat fruits having scalloped edges. The color of the fruits is creamy white. The white is very delicate. The flesh tastes very fine.
Grow them in containers and pots, as well as in the garden. They need a very fertile soil so make sure to feed the soil with lots of compost and fertilizer before sowing seeds. The right place to grow these squashes is a place that receives full sun. These squashes, like others in the same class, grow best in warm weather.
These squashes can be roasted on the grill whole or sliced. Either way, they taste delicious.
You can buy White Custard squash seeds on Kings Seeds
Click here to buy White Custard Squash seeds on Kings Seeds.
41. Tennessee Sweet Potato Squash
Tennessee Sweet Potato a pear-shaped squash that has a taste similar to that of sweet potato. The fruit is pale green in color with dark green colored stripes. The flesh is also pale in color. Some people say it is sweet in taste which makes it perfect for pies, while others argue that their taste is more on the bitter side.
Unlike all other squash varieties that we have discussed above, these squashes grow well in cooler climates. It has been observed that when the weather becomes cooler, the productivity of these squashes sis greatly increased. As for the soil type, they are heavy feeders and they require a rich, fertile soil that is significant quantities of compost.
Being similar in taste to sweet potatoes, they are used to make pies. It is more commonly used for decorative purposes.
You can buy Tennessee Sweet Potato squash seeds on Seed Savers Exchange. Click here to buy.
42. Shishigatani Squash
Shishigatani squash is also known as Toonas Makino Pumpkin. It is native to Japan but even there, it is very hard to find. It produces bottle-shaped fruits that have a dark green to green-blue colored rind that fades to tan when the fruit is fully mature. The rind is warty and ribbed. The flesh is pale.
These squashes can grow to be 8 inches long. The taste of these squashes is not very delicious yet they are quite famous in Kyoto, Japan and are commonly seen displayed outside restaurants and in supermarkets. It is used as an ornamental fruit because of its unique shape. It is also used for medicinal purposes.
You can buy Shisigatani squash seeds on Amazon.
43. Indian Tinda Squash
Tinda squash is native to India and is a very popular squash used in curries in Indian and Pakistani cuisines. It is also known by names of Indian squash, Indian Round Gourd, Round Melon, Indian Baby Pumpkin, and Apple Gourd. It is green in color, having a size similar to that of an apple. Tinda squash plant grows vigorously and starts to produce fruit in just 70 days after planting.
It tastes bland. Not many people like it. However, it is cooked in curries with plenty of spices in India and Pakistan.
They are easy to grow. They require a rich, fertile, and well-drained soil. Adding a lot of compost can also improve the growth of these squashes. It grows best when the temperature is warm, especially in sub-tropical and tropical conditions.
You can buy Tinda squash seeds on Amazon.
44. White Cushaw Squash
White Cushaw Squash is also known as Jonathan Pumpkin. It produces a white colored fruit with faint green lines that are quite big in size. the fruit can weigh as much as 20 pounds. The skin of these squashes is very smooth, so much that they appear to be glowing.
Their flesh is not very tasty. It is more on the bland side. However, they are very often used for decorative purposes.
These squashes are easy to grow and maintain. If they get the right warm temperature and well-drained soil, they can perform pretty well.
You can buy White Cushaw squash seeds on Amazon.
45. Autumn Delight Squash
Autumn Delight Squash is an acorn with larger sized fruit and better resistance o powdery mildew. It has dark green skin and light orange colored flesh. The fruit usually weighs around 1 to 2 pounds. Autumn Delight squashes are bush type plants that do not have long growing vines, making them suitable to be planted in small gardens.
You can buy Autumn Delight squash seeds on Amazon.
46. Golden Cushaw
Golden Cushaw is a winter squash variety. It is a type of Butternut squash. The fruit is golden-orange or yellow-golden in color that is usually 12 to 20 pounds in weight. The fruit is usually thick and U-shaped.
Golden Cushaw has a vining growth habit and therefore it needs a lot of space to grow. It grows best in warm weather, in soil that is fertile and well-drained. It can grow well in neutral and mildly acidic soil with a pH in range 6.1 to 7.5.
The flesh of Golden Cushaw is sweet and therefore is widely used in numerous recipes. It is also used for decorative purposes.
Click here to buy Autumn Delight squash seeds on KCB Samen.
47. Lunga Di Napoli Squash
Lunga Di Napoli is a variety of squashes that produces huge, dark green colored fruits. It is winter squash type that grows long vines. The flesh tastes sweet and is used in stews, soups, salads, and sweets!
It grows best in warm climates when the soil temperature is raised. The soil should be fertile, well-drained, and moist. Before sowing seeds, the soil should be treated with compost to ensure the soil is suitable for the growth of these squashes. When temperatures are fairly dry as in droughts, they need regular irrigation.
48. Table King Squash
Table King Squash is an winter acorn variety. They produce fruits that have a smooth, glossy, dark green colored skin and a light orange flesh. The flesh is dry, dense, and extremely flavorful.
They are bush type plant, making them suitable to be grown in small gardens. Table King Squashes grow best in loose, well-drained, rich, and fertile soil. The ideal pH for their maximum growth is 5.5 to 6.5. They require full sun exposure for best growth.
These squashes can be stored for a very long time. They are used for culinary purposes. Table King Squashes make great Thanksgiving gifts!
You can buy Table King Squashes seeds on Amazon.
Now that you know all there is to know about the types of squashes that you can grow, we hope you have a great, successful squash growing experience! Don't forget to check out our guide about 73 varieties of pumpkin too!
