Squash es el nombre común de cuatro especies del género Cucurbita que pertenece a la familia Cucurbitaceae. Las calabazas se originaron en América. Se caracterizan por flores unisexuales, tallos peludos y un fruto carnoso de corteza coriácea. La calabaza es un tipo de baya falsa que se llama pepo. Las calabazas varían mucho en formas, tamaños y colores.
Calabazas de verano y calabazas de invierno
Las calabazas se clasifican principalmente en dos tipos, que son las calabazas de verano y las calabazas de invierno. Uno puede pensar que han sido nombrados en función de la temporada en que están disponibles, pero en realidad, ambos tipos están disponibles durante todo el año. Las calabazas de verano se llaman así porque su fruto está listo para ser cosechado en los meses cálidos del verano, mientras que el fruto de las calabazas de invierno no está listo para ser cosechado hasta el final del verano.
Las calabazas son extremadamente nutritivas con cantidades significativas de vitamina C, vitamina A, riboflavina, niacina y hierro. Sin embargo, con su apariencia, aroma y sabor sorprendentemente atractivos, ofrecen una experiencia culinaria y visual única.
Tipos de calabazas que puedes cultivar
Las calabazas se cultivan muy comúnmente en el huerto. Son muy fáciles de cultivar. Antes de cultivar calabazas, debe tener un conocimiento sólido sobre los tipos de calabazas. Esto le permitirá comprender el tipo de calabaza que tiene y podrá preparar su jardín en consecuencia.
Una vez que haya decidido un tipo particular de calabaza, asegúrese de consultar esta publicación sobre las 50 mejores tiendas en línea para comprar calabaza y semillas de calabaza.
1. Calabacín
El calabacín es una calabaza de verano que crece hasta una altura de aproximadamente 1 m. El calabacín es una variedad de tuétano que se encuentra en Irlanda y Gran Bretaña. Se conoce como médula de bebé en Sudáfrica. El calabacín es una calabaza de color verde claro u oscuro. El calabacín dorado es un híbrido de color naranja o amarillo intenso. El calabacín se cocina como verdura. Se puede utilizar en numerosas recetas deliciosas.
Son nativos de México y América Central y se cultivan en todo Estados Unidos durante la estación cálida. Las zonas de crecimiento de Zucchini son de 2 a 12. Requiere un suelo rico en compost y bien drenado. Necesitan al menos 1 pulgada de agua por semana. El requisito de pH para el crecimiento óptimo de esta planta es de 6,0 a 7,5. Prefiere crecer en áreas que reciben pleno sol. Las plantas de calabacín necesitan al menos 1 pulgada de agua por semana.
Dado que al calabacín le encanta el clima cálido, las semillas deben plantarse cuando la temperatura del suelo sea de 65 a 70 grados. En las zonas donde las temperaturas son más cálidas, se siembran dos cultivos de calabacín, uno en primavera y otro en otoño. Sin embargo, en las regiones templadas (zona 6 o inferior), el calabacín se planta en verano (generalmente en mayo).
2. Calabaza Butternut
El nombre científico de Butternut Squash es Cucurbita moschata. Se la conoce como calabaza moscada o gramma en Nueva Zelanda y Australia. Es una calabaza de invierno que crece en vides y crece hasta 15 pies de largo. La calabaza moscada tiene una piel de color amarillo claro con pulpa anaranjada. Cuando está maduro, se vuelve de un color naranja más intenso. Técnicamente, la calabaza moscada es una fruta, pero se cocina en numerosas recetas como una verdura, como sopas, tartas, muffins, etc.
Las calabazas moscadas se cultivan ampliamente en Japón, América tropical y en algunos distritos de los Estados Unidos. Son bastante fáciles de cultivar. Como son plantas de verano, deben plantarse cuando la temperatura del suelo sea de 60 a 65 grados a una profundidad de 4 pulgadas. Requieren suelo fértil y bien drenado, con un pH de 6,0 a 6,8. La calabaza moscada crece mejor en áreas que reciben pleno sol.
Las plántulas se congelarían con la más mínima helada, por lo que la temperatura cálida es extremadamente crucial.
3. Calabaza Espagueti
La calabaza espagueti es una calabaza de invierno originaria de América Central y México. Tiene enredaderas cortas que tienen un hábito de crecimiento erguido y robusto. La planta crece hasta medir aproximadamente 2 pies de alto y 3 pies de ancho. Las calabazas espagueti pueden variar de color amarillo tostado a naranja. Se les ha llamado así porque la carne de estas calabazas es como un espagueti.
Las calabazas espagueti necesitan un suelo fértil y bien drenado para un mejor crecimiento. La preferencia de pH del suelo es de 6,0 a 6,8. Requieren exposición total al sol para un crecimiento óptimo. Deben plantarse después de que haya pasado la última helada. El momento adecuado para comenzar a sembrar calabazas espagueti es mayo. Estas calabazas se pueden cocinar de diversas maneras y se utilizan en numerosas recetas.
4. Calabaza Bellota
La calabaza bellota también se conoce como calabaza pimienta o calabaza Des Moines. Es un tipo de calabaza de invierno que tiene crestas longitudinales distintivas en su superficie exterior verde y una pulpa de color amarillo anaranjado intenso. Las calabazas bellota miden entre cuatro y siete pulgadas de largo.
La calabaza bellota se originó en América Central y del Norte. Las semillas de calabaza bellota necesitan calor para germinar. Deben plantarse cuando la temperatura del suelo haya subido a por lo menos 60 grados. Necesitan un suelo muy rico para crecer. Deberá fertilizar el suelo regularmente para lograr el mejor crecimiento de estas calabazas. Junto con la exposición total al sol, estas calabazas necesitan un pH del suelo de 5,5 a 6,8 para un crecimiento óptimo.
La calabaza bellota se come principalmente horneada, pero también se puede saltear, cocer al vapor o calentar en el microondas. Se utiliza en una serie de recetas saladas.
5. Calabaza Delicata
La calabaza Delicata, como su nombre lo indica, es una variedad de calabaza delicada que es originaria de América Central y del Norte. Es una planta de vid; por lo tanto, requiere mucho espacio para crecer. La calabaza Delicata tiene la piel de color crema con rayas de color verde o naranja. La pulpa de esta calabaza es de color amarillo pálido. Por lo general, mide 6 pulgadas de largo y 3 pulgadas de ancho. Sabe mucho a camote. De hecho, a veces se le conoce como calabaza de batata o calabaza de maní.
Al igual que otras variedades de calabaza, la calabaza Delicata crece mejor en climas cálidos. Según el Departamento de Agricultura de EE. UU., estas calabazas se encuentran en las zonas de resistencia 8 a 10. Las semillas de las calabazas Delicata se deben plantar cuando el suelo se haya calentado a una temperatura de al menos 65 a 70 grados. Si las semillas se plantan demasiado pronto cuando el clima no es lo suficientemente cálido, las semillas se pudrirían y la helada provocaría que las plántulas se congelaran.
Estos tipos de calabaza necesitan un suelo fértil y de drenaje libre para crecer que esté adecuadamente húmedo. A diferencia de otras variedades de calabaza mencionadas anteriormente, necesitan un lugar protegido para crecer ya que no pueden soportar los vientos fuertes.
La delicada calabaza se come principalmente horneada, pero también se puede cocinar al vapor o salteada. Esta calabaza se usa en muchas recetas por su sabor dulce.
Haga clic aquí para comprar semillas de calabaza Delicata en Amazon.
Lectura adicional:Cómo cultivar calabazas delicadas
6. Calabacín Bellota
La calabaza ranúnculo es una calabaza de invierno que tiene un sabor dulce, de ahí el nombre de botón de oro. Se llaman calabazas de turbante debido a la presencia de una gorra en la parte superior. Tiene una piel gruesa de color verde con pulpa de color naranja intenso. La calabaza ranúnculo suele medir 6 pulgadas de largo y 4 pulgadas de ancho. Esta variedad de calabazas es originaria de América del Norte. La fruta va en vides largas de aproximadamente 24 pulgadas de largo. La calabaza ranúnculo madura es una fruta bicolor con piel de color verde grisáceo y pulpa de color naranja.
Estas calabazas crecen bien en suelos fértiles, sueltos y bien drenados, con un pH entre 5,5 y 6,5. Necesita un suelo rico en materia orgánica. Prefiere crecer en lugares donde la exposición al sol es plena. Al plantar las semillas, se deben plantar de cuatro a cinco semillas en un solo montículo. Después de que se producen las plántulas, las más débiles se eliminan con el fin de reducir el crecimiento.
Dado que la pulpa de la calabaza ranúnculo tiene un sabor dulce, es una variedad popular utilizada en muchos platos diferentes.
Haga clic aquí para comprar calabazas Buttercup en camillas.
Leer más:Cómo cultivar calabazas
7. Calabaza Pattypan
La calabaza Pattypan también se conoce como calabaza Sunburst, calabaza vieira, calabaza botón y calabaza blanca. Son un tipo de calabaza de verano. Es una calabaza reliquia de los nativos americanos. Se originaron hace ya 10.000 años en México. Se encuentran en variedades verdes, amarillas y blancas. Son de tamaño pequeño y tienen una forma similar a la de un platillo volador. Crecen en enredaderas que se extienden entre 4 y 6 pies.
Crecen mejor en suelos ricos y bien drenados, expuestos a pleno sol. Se plantan en un grupo de dos a tres semillas que se plantan a una distancia de 2 a 3 pies. La calabaza Pattypan se usa en numerosas recetas y también se usa como recipiente decorativo para algunos alimentos.
8. Calabaza Chayote
El nombre científico de la calabaza Chayote es Sechium edule y también se conoce comúnmente como calabaza mirliton. Se cultiva en muchos estados de los EE. UU., incluidos Florida, California, Luisiana y en todo el este y sur de Asia. Es nativo de América Latina.
Es una enredadera perenne que tiene un hábito de crecimiento extendido, lo que significa que requiere mucho espacio para extenderse. El fruto es de color verde pálido a blanco y tiene forma de pera. Las vides pueden crecer hasta 50 pies.
La calabaza chayote necesita un suelo bien drenado que tenga la humedad adecuada retenida para el mejor crecimiento. Requiere pleno sol. Sin embargo, también puede crecer en sombra parcial pero el rendimiento será menor. El pH del suelo debe estar entre 6,0 y 6,8,
Chayote se debe plantar cuando haya pasado la última helada y el suelo se haya calentado a por lo menos 65 grados. Da un crecimiento óptimo en los veranos, cuando la temperatura es alta en regiones tropicales o subtropicales como California, Florida y la Costa del Golfo.
El chayote se usa principalmente cocinado ligeramente para mantener su textura crujiente. La calabaza chayote cruda también se usa en ensaladas, pero este uso no es muy común. También tienen cierta importancia medicinal ya que tienen propiedades antiinflamatorias, diuréticas y cardiovasculares.
9. Calabaza Gema
La calabaza gema es un tipo de calabaza de verano que ha sido domesticada de dos variedades silvestres de calabazas que son; Cucurbita Texana (nativa del sur y centro de Estados Unidos) y Cucurbita fraterna (nativa de México). Es un fruto pequeño, de color verde oscuro, con una pulpa de color amarillo verdoso. Es tan duro que no se puede comer crudo o medio cocido.
La calabaza gema ocupa mucho espacio en el sitio de cultivo a medida que sus enredaderas se extienden ampliamente. No pueden tolerar las heladas y deben plantarse cuando haya pasado la última helada y el suelo se haya calentado sustancialmente. Requiere un suelo fértil, rico y bien drenado. Requieren exposición total al sol para crecer, de lo contrario, se pudrirán.
La calabaza gema se sirve como verdura hervida o al horno en Sudáfrica. Se cocinan después de ser cortados por la mitad debido a su piel dura.
10. Calabaza Kuri Roja
Red Kuri Squash es una calabaza de invierno que se cultiva ampliamente en California, el suroeste de Colorado, Florida, Tonga, México, Japón, Tasmania, Chile, Sudáfrica, Nueva Zelanda y Provenza. Es similar a una calabaza pequeña en apariencia, solo que sin crestas. Es una calabaza de color naranja brillante que tiene un sabor a castaña muy delicado. La pulpa es de color amarillo brillante.
También se conoce como calabaza Hokkaido naranja, calabaza japonesa, calabaza baby hubbard y calabaza Uchiki kuri. En Japón, la palabra kuri puede referirse a calabazas o castañas japonesas. Además, se llama potimarron en Francia, y cebolla de calabaza en el Reino Unido.
La planta puede crecer hasta una altura de 8 a 16 pulgadas. Prefieren crecer en suelos ricos y bien drenados y en áreas que tienen exposición total al sol. Es muy sensible a las heladas y debes asegurarte de que haya pasado la última helada antes de plantarlas. Les encanta el calor y, por lo tanto, deben plantarse cuando las temperaturas son bastante cálidas.
Las calabazas kuri rojas son muy nutritivas. Se usan en varias recetas, como sopas, guisos y guisos.
11. Calabaza Plátano
La calabaza banana es una variedad de calabaza de invierno que tiene la apariencia de una banana grande. Pueden crecer mucho, con un tamaño promedio de alrededor de 60 a 91 cm de largo y de 10 a 22 cm de ancho. Son de forma cilíndrica y ligeramente curvada. Las calabazas de plátano se originaron en América del Sur. Desde su introducción, las calabazas banana son más populares en los estados del oeste de América del Norte. La calabaza de plátano rosa también se llama Plymouth Rock o Mexican Banana.
Los quashes de salmón pueden ser de color azul, rosa salmón, amarillo o abigarrado dependiendo de la variedad con pulpa anaranjada firme.
La calabaza banana necesita mucho espacio para crecer. Crece en enredaderas que pueden extenderse a unos 12 a 15 pies de ancho. Requieren un suelo rico y fértil que se haya calentado considerablemente a unos 65 grados. La exposición al sol debe ser completa para el máximo crecimiento de las calabazas banana.
La calabaza banana tiene principalmente usos culinarios. Se comen al vapor, al horno, a la plancha, asadas, al horno o fritas. Se suelen rebanar o cortar en aros o cubos y se añaden a guisos y sopas.
Puedes comprar semillas de calabaza banana en Amazon.
12. Calabaza de Carnaval
La calabaza de carnaval es una calabaza de bellota colorida. La piel exterior de una calabaza de carnaval está salpicada de verde, amarillo, dorado y blanco. Es tan atractivo y llamativo en apariencia que se utiliza con fines decorativos. Sin embargo, las calabazas de carnaval no solo se usan para decorar. Su sabor mejora con el almacenamiento, lo que lo convierte en una gran calabaza para usar en una variedad de recetas.
Son calabazas amantes del verano y, al igual que otras variedades de calabaza, deben plantarse cuando haya pasado la última helada de la temporada. Las semillas deben plantarse en un suelo cálido que tenga una temperatura de al menos 70 grados. Requieren un suelo bien mantenido, bien regado y fértil para un crecimiento máximo.
Una calabaza de carnaval madura tiene una piel muy dura, tanto que se nota que está completamente madura cuando no se puede pinchar con la uña.
Puedes comprar semillas de calabaza Carnival en Amazon.
13. Calabaza Patidou
La calabaza Patidou es más comúnmente conocida como la calabaza dulce. Es una variedad más pequeña de calabazas de invierno. Crece a un promedio de 4 pulgadas de diámetro. La piel de la calabaza dulce suele ser blanca con marcas amarillas, verdes y naranjas. Los lóbulos audaces, huecos y festoneados forman la superficie exterior de estas calabazas. La pulpa es de color naranja y de textura bastante suave.
Las calabazas dulces son calabazas de crecimiento vigoroso que se propagan rápidamente. Las vides de las calabazas dumpling dulces no son tan largas como otras variedades. Necesitan un suelo rico y bien drenado que tenga una humedad moderada.
Como les encanta el clima cálido, se pueden cultivar en un clima de postre tropical, subtropical, templado y mediterráneo. Se pueden cultivar en regiones en zonas de rusticidad 4 o más. El requerimiento de agua es promedio. Sin embargo, necesitan pleno sol para un mejor crecimiento.
You can buy Patidou seeds on 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!
