Squash may be one of the well-heeled crop to grow in your garden , producing enceinte yields that can be stored away for the wintertime . You must pick the correct types of squash for your garden so that you may harvest summer crush throughout the summer months and start to glean winter squashes in the twilight to put in for the wintertime .
Everyone rivet on zucchini , but no one understand just how many different squash varieties there really are . Winter crush lost its popularity for quite a while , but now that more people focus on food preservation and intelligent feeding , they ’re enjoying a comeback .
If you want to assay growing a few unlike kinds of squash racquets , let ’s dive into their world to learn about types of squelch plants and how to produce some of these unlike varieties of squash .
About Different Type Of Squash: Winter & Summer Squash
There are basically two unlike types of squash rackets ( summertime and wintertime ) with more than 100 variation on each type . Both are squashes , but they have key difference that you necessitate to roll in the hay before picking out the seeds to rise .
Here is how you may differentiate the two type of squeeze apart .
Summer Squash
These squash varieties are called soft - skinned squash racquets or tender squash . They have moist flesh and delicate pelt that you may steadily harvest from betimes to late summer .
Most summer squash are better eaten fresh ; they taste great raw , steamed , sauteed , or baked . They do n’t carry on well , maybe a calendar week in the refrigerator . you’re able to try keep back them in the Deepfreeze , but make certain to shred them first .
It does n’t take too long for summertime squashes to reach maturity . They should be ready to start glean 50 - 65 days after sow the seed . It ’s usually good to harvest the squashes new ; they commence to get tough if left on the vine for too long .
Winter Squash
Winter squash are the hard - shell squash . You ’ll harvest these squashes from late summer into dusk and sometimes into the early wintertime , look on when you embed the seeds .
Winter squashes have hard skin and immobile flesh to be cure and put in throughout the winter . Centuries ago , our ancestors grow vast amounts of winter squashes because they can be stored for month in a root basement after proper solidifying and cooked all winter long .
It ’s unremarkably not urge to eat wintertime squash raw ; they are n’t so yummy . Instead , you want to broil or jest at them , turn over them into a hearty fret or soup , or bake a pie .
reckon on the variety , wintertime squashes take between 60 - 110 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. to hit full maturity after sowing the seeds . Once reap , they wo n’t continue to mature , so you have to make certain they ’re to the full matured .
How to Pick the Right Types of Squash to Grow
Before we take off to look at all of the different squash varieties , countenance ’s take a look at how you might need to adjudicate which ones you should grow .
1. Pick Types For Your Area
Before you bulge out gardening , it ’s wise to have it away your grow area . How long is your growing season ? When are your frost dates ? What are the middling temperatures that you see in the summer?These are all important questions to bring out before you garden because not all crop grow well in all regions . If you have a little originate time of year , you ’ll need to find squashes with a unforesightful due date meter frame . If you subsist somewhere with a longer growing time of year , you have more options useable to grow .
2. Think About What Your Family Eats
You always require to think about what your family unit eats . If your family have intercourse zucchini , then check that to include it . Include all of your family ’s favorite first before diving into unknowns .
It ’s all right to devote space to arise fresh crop that you ’ve never tried before , but you desire to make certain you always have the elbow room for all of the foods your family line eat the most before giving up blank space for new thing .
3. Do You Want To Save Seeds?
If you plan to save seminal fluid , you want to make certain that you grow the right case of seeds . You ’ll demand to grow inheritance or heirloom seeds rather than hybrid seeds .
Why ?
Hybrid variety wo n’t grow honest to seed if you endeavor to save the seed and grow them the undermentioned year . Chances are you wo n’t terminate up with the same plant that you grew in the previous year , and you might not even end up with edible fruits .
4. How Much Space You Have To Grow
Squashes are known for being rather large plant ; some vines can reach over 14 foot longsighted . So , if you do n’t have tons of space , you require to check that you develop varieties that wo n’t bring forth massive vines . There are more compact type of squash .
If you have all of the space in the world , then you do n’t need to worry about this !
23 Types of Squash to Grow in Your Garden
We divided the different type of squash into their varieties : winter and summertime . That makes it easier for you because there are so many different squashes that you’re able to grow !
Summer Squash Varieties
summertime squashes are Robert Frost - tippy , warm - time of year annuals , so you ca n’t constitute them outside until the risk of rime make pass in the fountain .
Some nurseryman take off the seeds indoors and transfer the seedling into the garden when the frost pass away . You do n’t have to start the seeds inside ; you’re able to seed the seeds directly outside in your garden .
Listed below are some of the more ordinarily grown form of summertime squash for the garden :
1. Zucchini – Courgettes
The most pop summer squash develop in summer garden is the green zucchini , also have it away as courgettes . It ’s a solid choice and can raise in a stove of conditions and climate zones .
Zucchinis are grow as annuals in USDA zones two through 11 , making them something nearly everyone can spring up . They need to produce in full sunlight for the best solution , and they prefer full-bodied , well - enfeeble ground .
courgette tend to be prolific . You might end up with so many that you ask to give them away ! The anatomy is generally sweet , which is why you could use courgette to make a dinner party recipe or for seraphic zucchini bread .
You desire to harvest zucchini when they ’re tender and young . It might seem beguiling to have them develop large , and some might grow so fast that they ’re the size of it of a baseball game chiropteran before you realize it . However , when they become too large , they lose their flavor and terminate up with monumental seeds that are n’t as toothsome .
2. Costata Romanesco Zucchini
Yes , these are still zucchini , but they ’re unlike than the classic zucchini . Costata are Italian heirloom zucchinis with light gullible to whitish rib that run down the zucchini lengthways . It creates a trenchant facial expression .
These zucchinis typically valuate around 15 inches long , but it ’s good to harvest them when they ’re six to ten inches long for idealistic feeling and grain . You ’ll find that Costata zucchinis have a subtle nut - comparable flavor that is mixed with fragrance . So , you’re able to eat these tender or cooked .
3. Zephyr Squash
These squash are two - musical note fruits that make them easy to distinguish in the garden . The fruit are long and straight and divided into two colors ; yellow is on the top and pale green at the bottom .
One conflict with air squash is that the skin do run to be problematic than classic zucchinis . However , when you cut into them , they have tender bod with a gentle , pleasant-tasting loony sapidity .
4. Patty Pan
gardener love patty - genus Pan squashes ! Not only are they dead adorable , but they taste great as well . Patty - pan squashes look like little UFOs with scalloped edges around the middle . That ’s why they ’re sometimes shout flying disc squash .
Do n’t let their looks fool you ; they ’re as soft to grow as distinctive courgettes . Patty - genus Pan squashes grow as an yearly in zone two through 11 , and they take full sunlight for optimum ontogeny .
you may grow them in a range of people of colour . Most unremarkably , patty - pan squash vine are gloomy green , light cat valium , or yellow . No matter what semblance you grow them , they all taste the same .
One difference to observe is that they have hard skin than other types of summertime squash . That means you’re able to cook them longer at higher temperature without turn everything to entire mush .
5. Straightneck Squash
The name indicates that these squash rackets are bang for their long , unbowed shape . Straightneck squashes go to the cucurbite pepo squashes , which all grow in the easterly United States , so if you be in that region , you may wait plentiful harvests .
true squash racquets typically are sensationalistic . They have a watery , mildly sweet build and attender skin that is leisurely to hack . Some citizenry call them yellowed squash rackets .
6. Crookneck Squash
As you might have guessed by the name , these squash rackets have a crookneck rather than being perfectly unbent . They have a bent form that is narrower at the top than at the bottom . The skin is yellow , and it can either be bumpy or bland .
Crookneck squash is a bush - character squash rackets rather than the long vining types . So , if you ’re looking for squash racquets to grow that wo n’t take up too much space , this is one to consider .
Most of the time , you ’ll harvest summer crookneck squash when they ’re immature and tender , typically when they ’re less than two inch in diam . You do n’t desire them too plump . Even immature , you ’ll comment that the crookneck squash rackets are tougher than other varieties , but they do have a milder taste .
7. Tatume Squash
Tatume squashes are an heirloom variety that originates from Central and South America . The plants farm green - colored , orotund squashes with pale or white flesh .
One thing to take note about Tatume squelch flora is that they produce foresighted vine , so they are n’t too ideal for small space gardening . you’re able to not grow these in containers .
Tatume squash are gratifying than courgettes or crookneck squashes . They rise best in strong climates , which makes sense considering when they initiate . They do good when grown in full sunlight with six to eight hours of sun .
8. Tromboncino Squash
This is a squash vine that is often used as a winter crush despite being a summer squash vine . The plant life produce a yield that is a short green color with orangeness - colored flesh . These squashes are firmer than zucchini so that they can salt away for long . That ’s why some assume that tromboncino squash are wintertime squashes .
When you turn off open tromboncino squash rackets , you ’ll find that the flavor is soft and delectable , make it an excellent choice for many recipe .
9. Round Zucchini
As you might guess from the name , circular zucchini are essentially zucchini in a round build . They taste essentially the same , but the round figure is unlike and ready them easier for specific recipe .
you may find pear-shaped courgette in dark unripe , light putting surface , and yellow-bellied , and they look like a grapefruit in size .
So , why grow round courgette rather than the classic , long , straight variety ?
The main rationality is that they ’re well-heeled for block . All you have to do is cut off the top , use a spoon to travail out the inside , and you created a zucchini pipe bowl . Some cooks use these as a goodly alternative to gelt bowls .
10. Cousa Squash
Cousa look similar to zucchini , but they have a more bulbous shape . This miscellany grow in the Middle East , so they ’re typical in Lebanese and Syrian dishes .
You ’ll notice that these squash have a sweeter flavor and are quite tender with thin tegument . Most recipes using cousa squashes are cored and stuffed ; you may do this with a knife or an apple corer . There are also zucchini corers that you may buy .
Winter Squash Varieties
Similar to summer squash racquets , winter squash are plant after the danger of Robert Frost go on in your neighborhood .
The biggest difference when it come to growing wintertime squash rackets is that you ’ll let the fruits maturate on the vine for as long as it takes . Do not glean them young ; winter squash is typically harvest in the spill .
The growing condition necessitate for winter squash are similar to what is required for summer squash rackets , but these plants tend to have a more monolithic vining drug abuse . They can overspread out everywhere !
If you want to grow these squashes but do n’t have enough space , they can be trained to grow up a support organisation to carry through space . You also could plant them with Indian corn , and they ’ll grow up the edible corn stalks .
Below are some dissimilar wintertime squash types that you’re able to grow in your garden :
11. Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is one of the most popular wintertime squash type and the most recognisable eccentric of squash aside from courgette . The hide is a pale orange - yellow colour with a Pyrus communis shape ; it ’s larger at the bottom with a thin neck . They lean to librate one to two Cypriot pound .
Butternut squashes take around 110 day to attain matureness , so if you have a shorter grow season , you ’ll need to start the source indoors . They typically want five to seven Clarence Day to cure before eating .
It ’s expert to know when harvesting that the more orangish the exterior , the drier and sweeter the soma will be . So , let it ripen on the vine for as long as you could . Despite get a operose skin , it ’s easy to peel , but you could leave it on if you ’re roasting the half of the squash racquets .
People love butternut squash ! It tastes similar to sweet potato once cooked so that you’re able to use it for a variety of recipes . mass love butternut squelch in soups or immix recipe , roast , or even in a splash - fry .
Butternut squash is great for farsighted - terminal figure storage as well . you could gestate them to last around three month in the right conditions in a root cellar or similar environments .
12. Acorn Squash
Here is another wintertime squash mixed bag that you might agnise . They ’re uncommitted in most supermarket in the downslope .
Acorn squash racquets are small and round , coming in a range of colours . It ’s most vernacular to discover these squashes in a coloured fleeceable color with orange markings either on the bottom or sides . Most measures around four to seven column inch across and matter one to two pounds .
You ’ll want to harvest your acorn squash vine before there are too many orange marking on the skin . The more orangish you see , the tough and more fibrous the flesh becomes . That makes it less appealing to consume and enjoy .
When you abbreviate open an acorn squash racquets , the flesh is a white-livered - orange color , but the flavor is most singular . It has a fresh , loony flavor that , once you try it , you ’ll love and makes these squash implausibly versatile in the kitchen . you’re able to find thousands of fantastic recipes ; you ’ll never break away out of ways to falsify them .
This variety only takes around 85 day for acorn squash to mature from seeds , and you ’ll need to wait seven to ten solar day before it ’s cured to eat them .
The only downside to growing acorn squash is that they are n’t meant for storage . In most position , acorn squashes only last about one month after harvest , so keep your other ones and enjoy all of these first .
13. Sweet Dumplings
Who does n’t want to develop squashes constitute angelic dumplings ? Anything called a dumpling is adorable , and that ’s how most name these squash rackets .
Sweet dumpling are small and compact with a whitish - yellow skin and dark-green stripes . you may feed the skin if you want ; it ’s a personal choice . Compared to other winter squash , it ’s much tenderer .
One affair to bote about these squash vine is that they are fast - growing and have long vines that crawl everywhere . You want to rise them in garden that are spacious and have full sunshine for optimal growing .
As their name suggest , fresh dumplings have a unfermented tone ; the taste and texture are similar to unfermented tater . you could find dozens of ways to use these in recipes .
fresh dumpling store well throughout the evenfall and winter . In the right conditions , you could await them to last for around three calendar month .
14. Calabaza Squash
you may notice many different calabaza squash varieties browse in colour from gullible to beige and even light red . All have bright orange form with a very laborious skin , making it an idealistic squash racquets for foresightful full term storage .
You want to plant these squashes somewhere that receives full sunlight for at least six to eight hours per sidereal day . They opt rich , well - drain soil for optimal maturation . Calabaza squash plant produce large , vigorous vines that can spread as long as 50 feet . So , only farm this sort if you really have the space for them .
you’re able to use Calabaza squash in many of the same ways that you’re able to use other squashes . They can be steamed , roasted , sauteed , and pureed .
15. Kabocha
Some gardener refer to kabocha as the Japanese pumpkin because they originate from Japan .
Kabocha squash vine are small-scale and squat with drab green skin . When you cut them undefendable , you ’ll find a bright orangish chassis that try out like a autumn pumpkin and sweet potato blending .
you could find out a lot of interesting Japanese recipes using kabocha . One of the favorite recipes is to cut the squash into chunk for tempura , but that ’s not all you may do with it .
One downside to kabocha squeeze is that it wo n’t store as long as other type . You want to practice them within a calendar month of harvest home , so do n’t produce too many of these .
16. Red Kuri
You wo n’t find red kuri , often call uchiki , in your local market store ! This is another Japanese wintertime squelch that look like a small , burnished orange , Allium cepa - form squash . Grown in the right conditions , these plants uprise large harvests .
Red kuri squash have a slight chestnut - same smell ; they ’re modest and sweet , making them versatile for unlike formula . The flesh is dense , so it hold together well when cooking , but you ’ll notice that you may blend the skin easy for soups or puree .
17. Hubbard Squash
If you ’re looking for wintertime squash that you could store for several month in your root basement , look for a Hubbard squash racquets . There are many different type of Hubbard squashes , and they vary in appearance and coloration , but they all tend to be unadulterated for extended storage .
No matter which of the varieties you corrupt , Hubbard squashes all be given to be enceinte with an orangish - colored flesh and thick , baffling skin . You ’ll require to remove the skin to add together these squash to dissimilar recipes , but it does peel easily .
So how tumid is large ?
Some Hubbard squashes can count up to 50 pounds – seriously . When they reach those sizes , they ’re often used the same way you might use a pumpkin vine – take for pies and puree in other dishes .
Due to their large size , Hubbard squash require at least 100 days to give maturity after seed sprouting . When the vine start to dry out , it ’s time to harvest . Then , they need ten days to two week to heal . Always leave a two - inch section of the prow on the yield when storing .
The tough cutis is vital for long - term storage . Once cure decently , you could require Hubbard squashes to store in the correct conditions for up to six month . If you harvest them in early fall , you might still have a few available in the early saltation – that ’s awful !
18. Delicata Squash
Some citizenry come to to Delicata squash as sweet Irish potato squash because it has a cylindrical shape similar to Solanum tuberosum . Delicata squash has a pallid yellow and green striped skin , and the rind is more delicate than other winter squashes . That ’s how it find its name .
While the thinner skin makes this variety not the best for retentive terminus storage , it signify that it ’s comparatively light to mould with and make . The soma looks and tastes similar to a sweet potato , and the pelt is also comestible . Delicata squashes have the perfect shape for gormandise with delicious cheeses and meats – yum .
you may store Delicata squash despite the thinner hide , but you must verify you cure it aright . Whole squashes can be stored for three months .
19. Spaghetti Squash
Here is another eccentric of squash vine that is easily identify . While spaghetti squashes come in different shapes , size , and colors , you typically find them at your local grocery store with either a chickenhearted or orangish - colored rind .
On the exterior , spaghetti squash does n’t await too impressive . They are a hearty color , but the magic happens when you skip them open . The center take large seeds and strong human body that seem like to other squashes . However , when you cook it , the flesh falls into ribbons or strands that look just like spaghetti .
Spaghetti squash have enjoyed a comeback in popularity within the last five to ten years . People discovered this low - carb , sizable alternative to spaghetti , and you do n’t even involve a spiralizer .
you could stash away spaghetti squash for one to two month in the correct conditions . While that ’s not as long as other varieties , it ’s effective than nothing .
20. Buttercup Squash
If you like to turn unique , heirloom plant , buttercup squelch is an excellent selection because there are many different cultivars to try out in your garden . All of them are identifiable by their squat , compact signifier .
Buttercup squash vine typically have dark , unripe cutis with lighter grade insignia . They ’re profound with dense , yellow - orange flesh . The flesh has a mild , perfumed tone to use in savory and angelic dishes . It mold well baked , steamed , or mashed .
One thing to note is that kingcup squashes do lay in well . In the right conditions , these squashes last for around three month .
21. Banana Squash
If you need to total some fun await squashes , you’re able to find exciting inheritance motley of banana squash . They are typically large and elongated in shape no matter what cultivar you adjudicate to arise .
Banana squashes are cognize for reach substantial sizes and weight . The skins tend to be orange in colouration , but some are pink , blood-red , or patrician chromaticity , so it can be fun to grow dissimilar mixture .
One reason to acquire banana squashes is that they ’re a slap-up long - term warehousing squash racquets . When cured and store correctly , banana tree squash store for up to six calendar month .
22. Turban Squash
You probably can suppose how these wintertime squashes get their name – they appear like pillbox . All turban squash vine deal the same shape in common . Turban squash have a smaller round bump at the prime ending on top of a large , orotund chassis .
Not only are these squashes delicious , but they also can double as ornamental squash racquets because of their rough tegument and wide range of colors . Unlike decorative gourds , you actually can eat these , so leave them out for decoration , then make some scrumptious meals with them .
Turban squashes have a mild flavor , so they work well as a substitute in many recipes . you’re able to pair it well with a range of factor .
23. Carnival Squash
prospect are you ’ve never hear of carnival squeeze , but once you strain it , you ’ll want to continue to grow it . fair squash is a intercrossed squash , a cross between an acorn and a perfumed dumpling squash rackets .
That mean they are smaller in size of it with attractive grade insignia and motley exteriors . The flesh is a pale orange that savour like to butternut squash . The sweetness makes it a versatile squash to grow in your garden .
you could try roasting or steaming circus squash . The only thing you’re able to not do is store it for too long . funfair squashes only last around one month in proper store .
Try Growing Squash This Year
As you’re able to see , there is more to squash than just courgette . There are so many unlike types of squash rackets that you’re able to grow in your garden , from the summer to winter squash . try out grow several of these squashes in your next growing season to find your favorite ones !
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Amber Noyes was born and raised in a suburban California township , San Mateo . She harbour a master copy ’s degree in horticulture from the University of California as well as a BS in Biology from the University of San Francisco . With experience working on an organic farm , water conservation research , Farmer ’ markets , and plant nursery , she understands what make plants flourish and how we can better understand the connection between microclimate and plant wellness . When she ’s not on the land , Amber loves informing mass of new ideas / things related to gardening , specially constitutive gardening , houseplants , and growing plants in a low blank .
