Pumpkins and Winter Squash

pumpkin in field

Pumpkins and winter squashes are warm-season crops that are grown using similar methods. The term “pumpkin” is often used for anything that is round and orange, while the term “squash” is used for an edible fruit of some other shape or color. The term “gourd” is used for various shapes and sizes of fruit used for decoration. Most pumpkins are either Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita maxima species, while most squashes are Cucurbita pepo. Some winter squashes are Cucurbita moschata or Cucurbita argyrosperma. Most pumpkins have been developed for their ornamental qualities, although some varieties have been developed for pies or for hull-less seeds. Winter squashes are primarily for culinary purposes, although many have attractive ornamental characteristics as well.

Pumpkins, squash, and gourds are closely related crops that are members of the Cucurbit or vine crop family. There are four species of the genus Cucurbita used as vegetables, and crossing can occur within species only. Cross pollination, however, will only influence the crop if you save your own seed for next year’s crop. The four species are listed below with some common varieties for each species. Only varieties within species will cross with each other.

  • Cucurbita pepo. Most jack-o-lantern pumpkins, zucchini, yellow summer squash, scallop or patty pan squash, acorn squash, and most small, yellow-flowered gourds.
  • Cucurbita maxima. Large pumpkins (Big Max, Atlantic Giant), hubbard squash, buttercup squash, delicata squash, Turk’s Turban squash.
  • Cucurbita moschata. Dickinson field pumpkin, Kentucky field, butternut squash.
  • Cucurbita argyrosperma. (formerly Cucurbita mixta) Green-striped cushaw, sweet potato squash, Japanese pie pumpkins.

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