スカッシュは、ウリ科に属するウリ属の 4 つの種の共通名です。かぼちゃはアメリカ発祥。それらは、単性の花、毛むくじゃらの茎、革のような皮を持つ肉質の果実によって特徴付けられます。スカッシュは、ペポと呼ばれる偽ベリーの一種です。カボチャは、形、サイズ、色が大きく異なります。
夏カボチャと冬カボチャ
かぼちゃは、大きく夏かぼちゃと冬かぼちゃの2種類に分けられます。季節に合わせて名付けられたと思われがちですが、実はどちらも一年中販売されています。夏のカボチャは、その果実が夏の暖かい時期に収穫される準備ができているのに対し、冬のカボチャの果実は夏の終わりまで収穫の準備ができていないため、そう呼ばれています.
カボチャは、ビタミン C、ビタミン A、リボフラビン、ナイアシン、鉄分が豊富で、非常に栄養価が高いです。しかし、それらの非常に魅力的な外観、香り、味により、独特の料理と視覚体験を提供します.
育てられるカボチャの種類
カボチャは菜園で非常に一般的に栽培されています。彼らは成長するのがとても簡単です。カボチャを育てる前に、カボチャの種類について十分な知識を持っている必要があります。これにより、あなたが持っているカボチャの種類を理解し、それに応じて庭を準備することができます.
特定の種類のカボチャに心を奪われたら、カボチャとカボチャの種を購入するためのトップ 50 のオンライン ストアに関するこの投稿を必ずチェックしてください。
1.ズッキーニ
ズッキーニは、1mほどの高さになる夏カボチャです。ズッキーニは、アイルランドとイギリスで見られる骨髄の品種です。南アフリカでは赤ちゃんの骨髄として知られています。ズッキーニは、薄緑色または濃緑色のカボチャです。ゴールデンズッキーニは、オレンジ色または濃い黄色のハイブリッドです。ズッキーニは野菜として調理されます。数多くのおいしいレシピで使用できます。
メキシコと中央アメリカ原産で、暖かい季節には全米で栽培されます。ズッキーニの生育ゾーンは2～12です。堆肥が豊富で水はけのよい土壌が必要です。週に少なくとも 1 インチの水が必要です。この植物の最適な生育に必要な pH は 6.0 ～ 7.5 です。日当たりの良い場所を好みます。ズッキーニの植物には、1 週間に少なくとも 1 インチの水が必要です。
ズッキーニは暖かい気候を好むので、土の温度が65度から70度のときに種をまきます。気温が高い地域では、春と秋に 2 種類のズッキーニが植えられます。ただし、温帯地域 (ゾーン 6 以下) では、ズッキーニは夏 (通常は 5 月) に植えられます。
2.バターナッツスカッシュ
バターナット スカッシュの学名は Cucurbita moschata です。ニュージーランドとオーストラリアでは、バターナット パンプキンまたはグラマとして知られています。つるに生える冬カボチャで、長さ15フィートにもなる。バターナット スカッシュは、薄黄色の皮とオレンジ色の果肉があります。熟すと濃いオレンジ色になります。技術的には、バターナット スカッシュは果物ですが、スープ、パイ、マフィンなどの野菜のような多くのレシピで調理されます.
バターナッツ スカッシュは、日本、熱帯アメリカ、および米国の一部の地域で広く栽培されています。彼らは成長するのがとても簡単です。夏性の植物なので、地温が60～65度、深さ4インチの時に植え付けます。それらは、pH 6.0 から 6.8 の肥沃で水はけのよい土壌を必要とします。バターナット スカッシュは、十分な日光が当たる場所で最もよく育ちます。
苗木はわずかな霜でも凍ってしまうため、暖かい温度が非常に重要です。
3.スパゲッティスカッシュ
スパゲッティスカッシュは、中央アメリカとメキシコが原産の冬カボチャです。それは直立し、丈夫な成長習慣を持つ短いつるを持っています。植物は、高さ約 2 フィート、幅 3 フィートに成長します。スパゲッティ スカッシュの色は黄褐色からオレンジ色までさまざまです。かぼちゃの果肉がスパゲッティに似ていることから、この名前が付けられました。
スパゲッティ スカッシュが最適に成長するには、肥沃で水はけのよい土壌が必要です。土壌の好ましい pH は 6.0 から 6.8 です。最適な成長のためには、完全な日光への露出が必要です。最後の霜が降りた後に植える必要があります。スパゲッティスカッシュの播種を開始する適切な時期は5月です.これらのカボチャはさまざまな方法で調理でき、数多くのレシピで使用されています。
4.どんぐりスカッシュ
ドングリ スカッシュは、ペッパー スカッシュまたはデモイン スカッシュとも呼ばれます。外側の緑色の表面に独特の縦方向の尾根があり、濃い黄橙色の果肉を持つ冬カボチャの一種です。どんぐりカボチャの長さは約 4 ～ 7 インチです。
どんぐりカボチャは中央アメリカと北アメリカで生まれました。どんぐりかぼちゃの種は、発芽に温度が必要です。土壌の温度が少なくとも60度に上昇したときに植えるべきです。彼らは成長のために非常に豊かな土壌を必要とします.これらのカボチャの最高の成長を達成するには、定期的に土壌を肥やす必要があります.日光を十分に浴びることに加えて、これらのカボチャが最適に成長するには、5.5 から 6.8 の土壌 pH が必要です。
どんぐりカボチャはたいてい焼いて食べますが、ソテー、蒸し、または電子レンジで加熱することもできます。多くのおいしいレシピで使用されています。
5.デリカタスカッシュ
デリカタ スカッシュは、名前が示すように、中央および北アメリカ原産のデリケートなスカッシュの品種です。つる植物です。したがって、成長するには多くのスペースが必要です。デリカタ スカッシュは、クリーム色の皮に緑またはオレンジ色の縞模様があります。このカボチャの果肉は淡い黄色です。通常、長さ 6 インチ、幅 3 インチです。さつまいもによく似た味わいです。実際、サツマイモ スカッシュやピーナッツ スカッシュと呼ばれることもあります。
他のカボチャの品種と同様に、デリカタ スカッシュは暖かい気候で最もよく育ちます。米国農務省によると、これらのカボチャは耐寒性ゾーン 8 ～ 10 に分類されます。デリカタ スカッシュの種子は、土壌が少なくとも 65 ～ 70 度の温度まで温まったときに植える必要があります。天候が十分に暖かくないときに種を植えるのが早すぎると、種が腐り、霜が苗木を凍らせてしまいます.
これらの種類のカボチャは、十分に湿った、水はけのよい肥沃な土壌で成長する必要があります。上記の他の種類のスカッシュとは異なり、強風に耐えられないため、成長するには保護された場所が必要です.
繊細なスカッシュは主に焼いて食べますが、蒸したりソテーしたりすることもできます.このカボチャは、その甘い味のために多くのレシピで使用されています.
Amazonでデリカタスカッシュの種を購入するには、ここをクリックしてください.
追加資料:デリカタ スカッシュの育て方
6.バターカップ スカッシュ
バターカップ スカッシュは甘い味がする冬のカボチャで、バターカップという名前が付けられました。上部にキャップがあるため、サザエと呼ばれます。濃い緑色の皮に濃いオレンジ色の果肉があります。キンポウゲは通常、長さ 6 インチ、幅 4 インチです。この種のカボチャは、北米原産です。果実は、長さ約 24 インチの長いつるになります。熟したキンポウゲ スカッシュは、灰色がかった緑色の皮とオレンジ色の果肉を持つ 2 色の果物です。
これらの南瓜は、pH 5.5 から 6.5 の肥沃で緩く水はけのよい土壌でよく育ちます。有機物が豊富な土壌が必要です。日当たりの良い場所を好みます。種をまくときは、1つのマウンドに4～5個の種をまきます。苗木が生産された後、成長を間引く目的で弱い苗木が取り除かれます.
キンポウゲの果肉は甘いので、さまざまな料理に使われる人気の品種です。
ここをクリックして、Gurneys でキンポウゲ スカッシュを購入してください。
続きを読む:キンポウゲの育て方
7.パティパンスカッシュ
パティパン スカッシュは、サンバースト スカッシュ、ホタテ スカッシュ、ボタン スカッシュ、ホワイト スカッシュとも呼ばれます。夏カボチャの一種です。アメリカ原産のカボチャです。それらは、10,000 年前にメキシコで生まれました。緑、黄、白の品種があります。サイズは小さく、空飛ぶ円盤に似た形をしています。それらは、約 4 ～ 6 フィートに広がるブドウの木で育ちます。
それらは、完全な日光にさらされた、肥沃で水はけの良い土壌で最もよく育ちます。それらは、約2〜3フィート離れて植えられた2〜3個の種子のグループに植えられます.パティパン スカッシュは多くのレシピで使用され、一部の食品の装飾用容器としても使用されます.
8.ハヤトウリ スカッシュ
ハヤトウリ スカッシュの学名は Sechium edule で、一般的にミルリトン スカッシュとしても知られています。フロリダ、カリフォルニア、ルイジアナを含む米国の多くの州、および東アジアと南アジア全体で栽培されています。ラテンアメリカ原産です。
それは成長の広がりの習慣を持っている多年生のつるであり、広がりには十分なスペースが必要です.果実は薄緑色から白色で洋ナシ形です。つるは 50 フィートまで成長します。
ハヤトウリのスカッシュには、最適な成長のために十分な水分が保持されている、水はけのよい土壌が必要です。それは完全な太陽を必要とします。ただし、半日陰でも育ちますが、収穫量は少なくなります。土壌の pH は 6.0 から 6.8 である必要があります。
ハヤトウリは、最後の霜が降り、土壌が少なくとも 65 度まで温まったときに植える必要があります。カリフォルニア、フロリダ、メキシコ湾岸などの熱帯または亜熱帯地域で気温が高い夏に最適な生育をもたらします。
ハヤトウリは、パリッとした食感を保つために軽く調理することが多いです。生のハヤトウリはサラダにも使用されますが、この用途はあまり一般的ではありません.また、抗炎症作用、利尿作用、心血管作用があるため、医学的にも重要です。
9.ジェムスカッシュ
ジェムスカッシュは、2つの野生種のスカッシュから飼いならされた夏のスカッシュの一種です。 Cucurbita Texana (米国南部および中部原産) および Cucurbita fraterna (メキシコ原産)。黄緑色の果肉を持つ、小さな濃い緑色の果物です。生や半生では食べられないほど固いです。
ジェムスカッシュは、つるが広く広がるため、成長する場所で多くのスペースを占有します。それらは霜に耐えることができないため、最後の霜が過ぎて土壌が十分に温まったときに植える必要があります。肥沃で、豊かで、水はけのよい土壌が必要です。成長するには完全に日光に当たる必要があります。そうしないと、腐ってしまいます。
南アフリカでは、ジェム スカッシュを茹でたり焼いたりして食べます。皮が硬いので、半分に切ってから調理します。
10.赤栗スカッシュ
レッド クリ スカッシュは、カリフォルニア、コロラド州南西部、フロリダ、トンガ、メキシコ、日本、タスマニア、チリ、南アフリカ、ニュージーランド、プロヴァンスで広く栽培されている冬カボチャです。尾根がないだけで、見た目は小さなカボチャに似ています。鮮やかなオレンジ色のカボチャで、とてもデリケートな栗のような風味があります。果肉は明るい黄色です。
オレンジ北海道スカッシュ、ジャパニーズ スカッシュ、ベビー ハバード スカッシュ、ウチキ クリ スカッシュとも呼ばれます。日本では、栗という言葉はカボチャまたは日本の栗を指す場合があります.また、フランスではポティマロン、イギリスではオニオンスカッシュと呼ばれています。
植物は8から16インチの高さまで成長することができます.彼らは、水はけのよい肥沃な土壌で、日光が十分に当たる場所で生育することを好みます。それは非常に霜に敏感であり、植える前に最後の霜が通過したことを確認する必要があります.彼らは暑さが大好きなので、気温がかなり暖かいときに植えるべきです.
赤栗カボチャは栄養価が高いです。スープ、キャセロール、シチューなど、さまざまなレシピで使用されています。
11.バナナスカッシュ
バナナスカッシュは、見た目が大きなバナナのような冬カボチャの品種です。非常に大きくなることがあり、平均的なサイズは長さ約 60 ～ 91 cm、幅 10 ～ 22 cm です。それらは円筒形で、形状がわずかに湾曲しています。バナナスカッシュは南アメリカで生まれました。導入以来、バナナ スカッシュは北米の西部の州で最も人気があります。ピンクのバナナ スカッシュは、プリマス ロックまたはメキシカン バナナとも呼ばれます。
サーモン クワッシュは、オレンジ色のしっかりとした果肉を持つ品種に応じて、青、サーモン ピンク、黄色、または多彩な色になります。
バナナスカッシュが育つには十分なスペースが必要です。それは幅約 12 から 15 フィートに広がることができる蔓で育ちます。彼らは、約65度にかなり暖められた豊かで肥沃な土壌を必要とします.バナナ スカッシュが最大限に成長するには、完全に日光に当たる必要があります。
バナナ スカッシュは主に料理用に使用されます。蒸したり、焼いたり、焼いたり、焼いたり、焼いたり、揚げたりして食べます。それらは通常、輪切りや立方体にスライスまたはカットされ、シチューやスープに加えられます.
Amazon でバナナ スカッシュの種を購入できます。
12.カーニバルスカッシュ
カーニバル スカッシュは、カラフルなドングリ スカッシュです。カーニバル スカッシュの外皮には、緑、黄、金、白のそばかすがあります。装飾目的で使用されるほど魅力的で人目を引く外観です。ただし、カーニバル スカッシュは装飾に使用されるだけではありません。保存すると味が良くなり、さまざまなレシピで使用できる優れたカボチャになります。
彼らは夏を愛するカボチャであり、他のカボチャの品種と同様に、季節の最後の霜が過ぎたときに植えるべきです.種子は、温度が少なくとも70度の暖かい土壌に植える必要があります。最大限に成長させるには、手入れが行き届き、水が豊富で、肥沃な土壌が必要です。
熟したカーニバル スカッシュの皮は非常に硬く、指の爪で刺すことができないほど完全に熟していると判断できます。
Amazon でカーニバル スカッシュの種を購入できます。
13.パティドゥスカッシュ
Patidou スカッシュは、甘い餃子スカッシュとしてより一般的に知られています。小さめの冬のカボチャです。直径4インチの平均に成長します。甘い団子カボチャの皮は通常白く、黄色、緑、オレンジの模様があります。大胆で、中空で、スカラップ状のローブが、これらのスカッシュの外面を作ります.果肉はオレンジ色で、滑らかな食感です。
甘い団子カボチャは、急速に広がる勢いよく成長するカボチャです。甘い餃子カボチャのつるは、他の品種ほど長くありません。水はけがよく、適度な水分を含んだ肥沃な土壌が必要です。
彼らは暖かい気候を好むので、熱帯、亜熱帯、温帯、地中海のデザート気候で栽培できます.耐寒性ゾーン 4 以上の地域で栽培できます。 The water requirement is average. However, they need full sun for best growth.
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!
