This genus consists of small, annual herbaceous plants that either climb or trail. Several species within this group are cultivated for their edible fruits and other applications. They originate from Central and South America. The flowers are typically solitary and star-shaped, exhibiting a golden-yellow hue. The leaves are characterized by their palmately lobed structure and are adorned with fine, prickly hairs.

Cucurbita

Cucurbita 'Autumn Glory'

Cucurbita 'Bonbon' is a winter squash that can extend up to 5 meters in its vine growth. The fruit typically reaches a diameter of about 17 cm and can weigh as much as 1.9 kg. It features dark olive green skin accented with lighter grey stripes and has a slightly flattened shape, complete with a distinctive 'button' at the base. The flesh inside is vibrant orange, offering a sweet, honey-like taste that is ideal for roasting, pies, and tarts.

Cucurbita 'Bonbon'

Cucurbita 'Candy Roaster'

Cucurbita 'Casperita' is a winter squash variety that yields small, white fruits on sprawling vines. The fruits are ribbed and have a smooth skin, with a sweet, light-colored interior. Each fruit can grow to approximately 14 cm in diameter and weigh between 500 to 750 grams. This cultivar demonstrates a notable resistance to powdery mildew. Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for container gardening.

Cucurbita 'Casperita'

Cucurbita 'Cerrano'

Cucurbita 'Crown of Thorns'

Cucurbita 'Galeux d'Eysines' is a unique French heirloom variety known for its distinctive flattened shape. These fruits typically weigh between 10 to 15 pounds and feature an uncommon salmon-peach skin that develops a warty texture as they ripen. The flesh inside is a sweet orange, making it ideal for soups and baking applications. This variety also has good storage capabilities. For optimal growth, sow seeds indoors from March to May or outdoors from May to June, with harvest occurring from September to November.

Cucurbita 'Galeux d'Eysines'

Cucurbita 'Gemstore' is a winter squash known for its abundant yield of rounded, dark green fruits that are about the size of tennis balls. The vines can extend up to 3 meters long, and each fruit typically weighs around 400 grams (14 ounces). These squashes are particularly suited for individual stuffing and roasting.

Cucurbita 'Gemstore'

Cucurbita 'Goosebumps' is a medium-sized squash that reaches approximately 45 cm in height. Its unique warty skin transitions from green to orange as it matures. While this variety is not suitable for consumption, it serves as an engaging seasonal decoration. For best results, plant seeds in early spring to enjoy a harvest from summer through autumn.

Cucurbita 'Goosebumps'

Cucurbita 'Gremlins' Warty, mix

Cucurbita 'Novodiamant'

Cucurbita 'Polar Bear'

Cucurbita 'Pyjamas'

Cucurbita 'Red Kuri'

Cucurbita 'Security'PBR

Cucurbita 'Spaghetti Cream'

Cucurbita 'Tahiti Melon' is a historic variety of 'Butternut' squash that was brought back to prominence in California during the late 1970s. This plant yields large, elongated fruits that range from pale pink to pale yellow. With minimal seeds and a sweet, tender flesh, it is ideal for roasting, as it becomes soft and caramelized when cooked. Plant seeds in the spring for a harvest period extending from August to October.

Cucurbita 'Tahiti Melon'

Cucurbita 'Tonda de Nizza'

Cucurbita 'Zadok'PBR

Cucurbita 'Zucca Da Marmellata'

Cucurbita alismatifolia 'Zelpegre'

Cucurbita argyrosperma

Cucurbita argyrosperma 'Green Striped Cushaw'

Cucurbita ficifolia is a robust climbing or trailing squash that can grow up to 10 meters tall. Its leaves are shaped like fig leaves and exhibit a rich green color. The oval fruits, which feature a green base with white mottling, can be harvested at any stage of ripeness. These fruits are versatile in the kitchen, suitable for soups and curries, and they have good storage potential. For optimal growth, sow seeds in the spring to ensure a harvest from summer to autumn.

Cucurbita ficifolia

Cucurbita foetidissima

Cucurbita maxima is a vigorous annual that sprawls across the ground and can extend up to 5 meters in length if left unmanaged. It features sizable, lobed green leaves and produces yellow blooms. These flowers give rise to a diverse array of fruit in various shapes, colors, and skin textures. Numerous cultivated varieties exist, with some remaining compact while all are suitable for consumption.

Cucurbita maxima

Cucurbita maxima 'Acorn, Cream of the Crop'

Cucurbita maxima 'Alligator'PBR

Cucurbita maxima 'Americana Tonda'

Cucurbita maxima 'Amoro'PBR

Cucurbita maxima 'Atlantic Giant' is a winter squash known for its impressive size, with vines that can extend up to 5 meters (17 feet) long. The pumpkins produced can take on an egg-like form and exceed 1.8 meters (6 feet) in diameter. They feature vibrant orange skin and rich orange flesh. In 2016, this variety set a record with a pumpkin weighing 782 kg (2,624.6 lbs). While primarily cultivated for competitive growing due to its size, the flesh is somewhat watery, making it more suitable for use in stocks and soups rather than for baking.

Cucurbita maxima 'Atlantic Giant'

Cucurbita maxima 'Berrettina Placentina'

Cucurbita maxima 'Big Max' is a substantial winter squash known for its rounded, orange fruits that can weigh as much as 45 kg on sprawling vines. The flesh is dense and flavorful, making it suitable for various culinary applications, including stews and pies. Its large seeds are also great when roasted. This variety is particularly well-suited for display purposes.

Cucurbita maxima 'Big Max'

Cucurbita maxima 'Black Forest'

Cucurbita maxima 'Blue Kiri'

Cucurbita maxima 'Buttercup Sweet Mama'

Cucurbita maxima 'Buttercup'

Cucurbita maxima 'Celebration'

Cucurbita maxima 'Confection'

Cucurbita maxima 'Constanza'PBR

Cucurbita maxima 'Cornell's Bush Delicata'

Cucurbita maxima 'Crown Prince' is a winter squash that yields sizable, rounded fruits on sprawling vines that can extend up to 3 meters. Each fruit typically weighs between 2 and 4 kilograms, featuring a blue-grey exterior and vibrant orange flesh that offers a sweet, nutty taste. Plant seeds in the spring for a harvest spanning from summer to autumn.

Cucurbita maxima 'Crown Prince'

Cucurbita maxima 'Delica' is an early-ripening winter squash that produces fruits measuring 16-23 cm across, typically weighing between 1.5 to 2 kg. The exterior features a dark green skin with subtle ribbing, complemented by lighter green stripes and speckles. Inside, the dense, bright orange flesh offers a sweet and nutty taste profile.

Plant Directory