Different Kinds of Squash Plants
In this blog post, I will share with you different varieties of squash plants I have grown in my garden and how. I will also share some pictures of my squash plants and I hope you will learn something new by reading this post! I hope you will enjoy this blog post and learn from my mistakes as well, haha. Please share with friends and family.
With that being said, you are warmly welcome to my corner here on the internet!
Why Grow Squash Plants?
The Pros: The plant grows very fast, and it is very easy to take care of. The plant is strong, and the vegetable lasts a long time. Each plant gives a bountiful harvest, that is, if it gets enough water, space, and fertilization. It is fun to get to know the different types of squash by actually growing them in the garden. I recommend starting with one or two different squash plants and adding another variety the next year.
It is easy to get overwhelmed if you start with too many different squash plants. Start small and grow slowly; let your interest guide you and take small steps at a time. It is a fun journey to cultivate in your garden, but with kids and a house to take care of, it can easily become too much work. You also need to take some time off, go to the beach, and enjoy some alone time. Last year, for example, when our fourth baby was almost one year old, I decided to take a year off from our garden. I can say that it was a very wise decision!
Another positive factor is that squash plants have nutritional benefits. Summer squash is low in calories and high in vitamins C and A, potassium, and fiber. They are also rich in antioxidants and have a high water content, making them a hydrating and nutritious addition to your diet.
The Cons: The plant needs a lot of space, watering, and fertilization. So, if you have a vegetable garden and are going to grow 5-6 squash plants, be mindful that they will need one square meter each! That is unless you, like me, prefer to grow the plants a little closer to each other than recommended. I make sure, though, that they get enough water and fertilization. Small gardens can be challenging for cultivating squash since it is a space-demanding plant to grow.
When to Start Sowing the Seeds?
I usually think four weeks back. What I mean by that is if I want to plant the small squash plants outside in the garden by June 1st, I sow the squash seeds inside four weeks before that date. That makes the plant big enough and strong enough to be planted outside. Be sure, though, that the night frost is over, and also harden the plant before you introduce it to the new world outside. This is done by placing the plant outside for a few hours per day and bringing it back in before you go to sleep at night. Put on an alarm so you do not forget it (I forgot my cucumber plants twice, and many of them died).
Tips and Tricks to Get More Harvest
When you have planted the plant outside and it starts to grow the bright yellow flowers, be aware if the plant is only producing flowers. I might let them grow a few flowers, just for the fun of it and for pollination. Besides, it also looks beautiful. Yet, I then remove the male flowers because they will not produce any fruit, only flowers. Otherwise the plant will use a lot of energy to produce a flower! I mean, the flower is beautiful, but you really want a good harvest, right!? With that being said, I do not have the time or energy to remove every male flower from the plant. Remember, the male flowers also have a purpose in being there!
That is why you need to identify when the plant is producing female or male flowers. The female flowers will grow a bulbous bottom beneath the flower, which will turn into a squash if they are pollinated. Therefore, do not pick the female flowers!
Another trick to get more harvest is to grow the plant in the ground, not in a pot. I tried to grow buttercup squash in a big pot, yet the limited size restricted the growth of the squash plant. The pot with drainage holes made the plant dry much faster and was also a limiting growth factor. Hence, the small size and small fruit (see the picture below).
The Different Shapes and Colors
The Squash variety is great in both shape and color. The buttercup squash is perhaps the most well-known because of Halloween, and they are also fun to grow because they get so big and can be carved into funny pumpkin faces (a must-do activity with kids!). The buttercup squash has orange skin, bright orange flesh, and is round like a big ball. I have grown both orange and green buttercup squash (also known as winter squashes).
The smooth texture inside the buttercup squash can be used for different dishes, such as roasted buttercup squash, buttercup squash soup, buttercup squash puree, buttercup squash pie, and buttercup squash risotto. Even though you only harvest a small pumpkin, you can still cook something delicious and enjoy your harvest to the fullest!
There are different types of summer squash. What characterizes summer squash is that it is harvested when immature, meaning the skin is tender and edible. Unlike winter squash, which has a hard rind and is harvested in the fall, summer squash is picked during the summer months. There are several varieties of summer squash, each with its own unique characteristics and culinary uses.
One of the summer squashes is the zucchini, which is a delight to cultivate. They are easy to grow and grow fast. They are strong plants that are not easily attacked by snails and insects.
Squash: Dunja F1
Plant Type: Hybrid zucchini variety known for its high yield and disease resistance.
Fruit Characteristics:
– Shape: Cylindrical and uniform, with a straight shape.
– Color: Dark green, glossy, and smooth-skinned.
– Size: Typically harvested when they are 6-8 inches long, although they can be left to grow larger if desired.
Growing Conditions:
– Climate: Suitable for a variety of climates but thrives in warm weather with plenty of sunlight.
– Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter.
– Watering: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
– Maturity: Dunja F1 zucchinis typically reach maturity and are ready for harvest in about 40-50 days from planting.
Usage: These zucchinis are versatile in culinary use. They can be grilled, sautéed, roasted, used in soups and stews, or eaten raw in salads. Their uniform shape and size also make them ideal for stuffing.
Squash: Genovese
Plant Type: Summer squash, heirloom variety
Fruit Characteristics:
– Shape: Elongated with pronounced ribs running its length, giving it a distinctive, scalloped appearance.
– Color: Light green with darker green stripes along the ribs.
– Size: Fruits are typically harvested when they are 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long but can grow larger without becoming overly tough.
– Texture: The flesh is dense and firm with a slightly nutty flavor, and the ribs provide a unique texture when cooked.
Growing Conditions:
– Climate: Prefers warm weather and is sensitive to frost. It thrives in temperatures between 70-95°F (21-35°C).
– Soil: Requires well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
– Watering: Needs consistent moisture, particularly during flowering and fruiting, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
– Light: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) is ideal for optimal growth and fruit production.
Cultivation:
– Planting: Seeds can be sown directly into the garden after the last frost or started indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and space plants 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart.
– Support: Though primarily a bush variety, providing some support or staking can help manage the sprawling vines and keep fruits off the ground.
– Pruning: Not typically necessary, but removing old or diseased leaves can improve air circulation and plant health.
Pattypan Squash: Custard White
Fruit Characteristics:
– Shape: Flattened, round shape with scalloped edges, resembling a flying saucer or a pie plate.
– Color: Creamy white skin.
– Size: Fruits are typically harvested when they are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter but can grow larger without becoming overly tough.
– Texture: Tender flesh with a fine texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Growing Conditions:
– Climate: Prefers warm weather and is sensitive to frost. It thrives in temperatures between 70-95°F (21-35°C).
– Soil: Requires well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
– Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
– Light: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) is ideal for optimal growth and fruit production.
Cultivation:
– Planting: Seeds can be sown directly into the garden after the last frost or started indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and space plants 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart.
– Support: Generally, no support is needed due to its bushy growth habit, but ensuring good air circulation around the plants is essential to prevent diseases.
– Pruning: Not typically necessary, but removing old or diseased leaves can improve air circulation and plant health.
Edible Skin vs. Non-Edible Skin
Some summer squashes have edible skin, such as zucchini, yellow squash, and pattypan squash. On the other hand, winter squashes, such as butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, and buttercup squash, do not have edible skin.
Our Favorite Uses of Squash Plants
Two years ago we had a great harvest of zucchini. We usually make oven-baked zucchini when we grow zucchini, but after a while, we got tired of eating it. That was when we discovered how to bake bread with zucchini. We found a recipe online and started making it from scratch. To be honest, my hubby did most of the baking because he loves to bake and cook, and I was busy taking care of our newborn!
The recipe turned out amazing, and my dad told us that this bread recipe was the best he had ever tasted! Wow, what an amazing bread it must have been, haha! Well, I agree, this was a hit and I can highly recommend baked zucchini bread for your family. The zucchini makes the bread soft, a little wet, and very tasty.
Sliced zucchini with cheese, grilled in the oven, was also a favorite. This is one of the side dishes that the kids actually ate, and that says a lot, haha. In addition to that, my hubby and son made some zucchini chips, which turned out to be less of our favorite. They were okay, but not that good, nor a favorite.
After growing the pattypan squash, I cut it into pieces and fried them on the pan for a little while. To be honest, I do not really remember how it turned out. I think it was not that of a hit for me, but I definitely want to try that out again someday.
I have never tried to make zucchini noodles, so that is definitely something I want to try or taste. It looks very interesting, and if it tastes good, it would be an easy dinner to cook for sure! What is your favorite way of using different types of squash? There are many ways of adding and eating regular zucchini in the home! I hope this blog post inspired you to try this fruit out, both in cultivation and cooking. Experiment with growing the different types of squash. As you know, there are many different varieties out there. For me, the pattypan squash looked very interesting, which made me want to try it out.
