Plants in genus cucurbita
Cucurbita maxima
Cucurbita maxima is a large heirloom squash known for its fine-grained texture and delicious flavor, suitable for soups, roasts, pies, and canning. It features vigorous vines up to 10 feet long and produces squash 18-24 inches long. Originating in South America over 4,000 years ago, it requires hot weather for optimal growth.
Cucurbita pepo 'Red Warty Thing'
Cucurbita pepo 'Red Warty Thing' is a unique pumpkin variety developed from the 1897 heirloom 'Victor'. It is renowned for its delicious flavor and fine texture, with a bumpy, thick red-orange skin. These pumpkins weigh between 10-20 pounds and grow on long vines, making them a striking addition to fall displays.
Cucurbita moschata
Cucurbita moschata is a versatile plant originating from Central or northern South America, known for its tolerance to hot, humid weather and resistance to diseases and insects. It is commonly used in commercial pumpkin pie mixes and can hybridize with other Cucurbita species. This long-vining plant is an important food source for indigenous people, with edible flowers, seeds, and flesh.
Cucurbita pepo 'Angel Hair'
Cucurbita pepo 'Angel Hair' is a unique squash variety that produces up to 15 fruits per plant, each weighing 1.5 to 2 pounds. It is ideal for trellising and serves as a low-calorie pasta alternative, making it a versatile addition to vegetable gardens.
Cucurbita pepo 'Mashed Potatoes'
Cucurbita pepo 'Mashed Potatoes' is a compact plant that grows to about 45 inches in length and produces three to four fruits per plant. The white-skinned fruit holds well into late fall, and its flesh resembles mashed potatoes when baked and fluffed. This plant is heat-loving and ideal for gardeners seeking unique culinary experiences.
Cucurbita pepo
Cucurbita pepo is a cultivated plant species that includes varieties of winter squash and pumpkin. Domesticated in the Americas, it is known for its yellow flowers and lobed leaves. This plant is a host for various insects and is favored by squash bees for its pollen. It is one of the oldest domesticated species, with a wide range of varieties.
Cucurbita maxima 'Atlantic Giant'
Cucurbita maxima 'Atlantic Giant' is known for its potential to reach large sizes, making it suitable for carving, pies, and soups. This heat-loving plant is a favorite among those looking to grow giant pumpkins.
Cucurbita maxima 'Big Max'
Cucurbita maxima 'Big Max' is a giant pumpkin variety favored by growers for its round, smooth, light-orange skin. Ideal for Halloween carving or holiday decorations, it can also be used for canning or making pumpkin pies. To achieve maximum size, it is recommended to grow one pumpkin per vine.
Cucurbita pepo 'Chiffon'
Cucurbita pepo 'Chiffon' is a high-yielding summer squash that produces fruits on upright, compact bushes. The fruits have creamy-yellow skin and excellent flavor and texture, and can be picked extra small or at 6-8 inches long. This plant has moderate resistance to powdery mildew and thrives in warm conditions.
Cucurbita pepo 'Costata Romanesco'
Cucurbita pepo 'Costata Romanesco' is a unique type of squash known for its high-quality, fluted fruits and complex flavor. The tender skin can grow up to 18 inches long, though it is traditionally harvested at 4 to 5 inches in Italy. This plant is notable for its large production of male blossoms, which are often used in cooking.
Cucurbita pepo 'Dirani'
Cucurbita pepo 'Dirani' is a compact, heat-loving squash variety known for its continuous fruit production. The plant's large leaves provide excellent ground coverage, and it can be harvested when the fruits are small or allowed to grow larger. This variety is ideal for gardeners looking for a reliable and space-efficient squash plant.
Cucurbita foetidissima
Cucurbita foetidissima, or buffalo gourd, is a sprawling vine native to the deserts of North America. It features large, sandpapery leaves and produces striking yellow-orange flowers and green-striped gourds. Historically used by Native Americans for food and medicine, its seeds are rich in fats and proteins. This drought-tolerant plant is adapted to arid environments and has potential as a biofuel source due to its carbohydrate-rich taproot.
Cucurbita maxima 'Red Kuri'
Cucurbita maxima 'Red Kuri', also known as 'Orange Hokkaido', produces teardrop-shaped fruits weighing 3-4 pounds with a nutty flavor. It grows on compact vines and is well-suited for cool or short-season climates.
Cucurbita pepo 'Gelber Englischer'
Cucurbita pepo 'Gelber Englischer' is an heirloom squash variety from Germany, known for its vibrant yellow fruits with creamy yellow and light green stripes. Best harvested when 2-4 inches wide for optimal flavor and texture, the fruits mature to a dark orange if left on the vine. This heat-loving plant is ideal for summer gardens.
Cucurbita maxima 'Cinderella'
Cucurbita maxima 'Cinderella', also known as 'Rouge Vif d'Étampes', is a French heirloom pumpkin from the 1880s. It features deeply ridged, large fruits weighing 15-20 pounds, perfect for baking and canning. This heat-tolerant variety thrives in warm climates.