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 melo 'Orogal'PBR

Cucurbita melo 'Salzillo'PBR

Cucurbita melo 'Sv6203mp'PBR

Cucurbita melo 'Sv6234mc'PBR

Cucurbita melo 'Sv6556mc'PBR

Cucurbita melo 'Sv9424ml'PBR

Cucurbita melo 'Thirum'PBR

Cucurbita melo 'Tyrsen'PBR

Cucurbita melo 'Valerio'PBR

Cucurbita moschata is a species of winter squash that has given rise to numerous commercial varieties. It features elongated fruits that taper to a bulbous end opposite the stem, and these fruits grow on sprawling vines that can extend over 4 meters (13 feet) in length. Once harvested, the smooth, firm-skinned fruits have excellent storage capabilities and typically exhibit a pale orange exterior with sweet, vibrant orange flesh. They can weigh approximately 3.5 kilograms (nearly 8 pounds).

Cucurbita moschata

Cucurbita moschata 'Ancora'PBR

Cucurbita moschata 'Autumn Crown'

Cucurbita moschata 'Avalon' is a winter squash variety that develops elongated fruits characterized by a rounded end opposite the stem. The plants produce these fruits on sprawling vines that can exceed 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length. The fruits have smooth, pale orange skin and typically measure about 12.5 centimeters (5 inches) in diameter and 27.5 centimeters (11 inches) in length. Harvesting can occur from late summer through autumn, and once mature, these squashes are excellent for storage. Their flesh is bright orange, sweet, and offers a pleasant nutty flavor. Weights can reach approximately 2.3 kilograms (about 5 pounds).

Cucurbita moschata 'Avalon'

Cucurbita moschata 'Barbara' is a vigorous climbing butternut squash cultivar that can reach heights of approximately 3 meters. Its sizable, pear-shaped fruits feature a distinctive striped pattern of green and orange, transitioning to a rich golden brown as they mature. The flesh inside is a vibrant orange, ideal for various culinary applications, and its robust skin allows for excellent storage capabilities. Plant seeds in the spring for a harvest that extends from summer to autumn.

Cucurbita moschata 'Barbara'

Cucurbita moschata 'Black Futsu' is a traditional Japanese butternut squash known for its compact growth, reaching heights of up to 200 cm. The fruit features a deeply ribbed exterior, with skin that ranges from dark green to nearly black, transitioning to orange as it matures. Its flesh is golden orange, offering a rich, nutty flavor that intensifies when roasted. Plant seeds in early spring to enjoy a harvest from summer into autumn. This variety has good storage capabilities, though the skin may develop a chestnut brown hue post-harvest.

Cucurbita moschata 'Black Futsu'

Cucurbita moschata 'Bodyguard'PBR

Cucurbita moschata 'Chieftain'

Cucurbita moschata 'Cobnut'

Cucurbita moschata 'Custard White'

Cucurbita moschata 'Early Butternut'

Cucurbita moschata 'Early Yellow Crookneck'

Cucurbita moschata 'Futsu'

Cucurbita moschata 'Green Button Hybrid'

Cucurbita moschata 'Greenwich'

Cucurbita moschata 'Harrier' is a notable variety of butternut squash developed in the UK. It yields sweet, medium-sized, pear-shaped fruits that thrive in shorter growing seasons. Harvest can be anticipated a little over three months after sowing. This cultivar is recognized for its consistent performance, dependability, and excellent storage potential.

Cucurbita moschata 'Harrier'

Cucurbita moschata 'Hawk' is a butternut squash variety developed in Britain, known for its bell-shaped fruits that grow on sprawling vines extending over 1.8 meters (6 feet). The fruits are small, with smooth, pale orange skin, and can be harvested from early to late autumn, making them a good choice for shorter growing seasons in the UK. Once harvested, they are known for their excellent storage capabilities. The flesh is bright orange, sweet, and offers a nutty flavor, with each fruit weighing around 700 grams (approximately 1½ pounds).

Cucurbita moschata 'Hawk'

'Cucurbita moschata 'Hercules'' is a variety of butternut squash known for its elongated, bell-shaped fruits that measure between 45-60 cm (18-24 in) in length and about 10 cm (4 in) in diameter. This cultivar thrives on sprawling vines that can extend up to 3 m (10 ft). With smooth, pale orange skin, the fruits are typically ready for harvest from late summer through autumn, making them well-suited for the shorter growing seasons found in the UK. Once harvested, they have excellent storage capabilities and feature bright orange flesh with a sweet, nutty flavor. Each fruit can weigh around 2 kg (approximately 4½ lbs).

Cucurbita moschata 'Hercules'

Cucurbita moschata 'Hundredweight'

Cucurbita moschata 'Hunter' is a bush-type squash that yields six to seven small to medium-sized fruits per plant. The vines have a trailing growth habit and produce from late summer through autumn. The fruits are light brown on the exterior, with orange-gold flesh and a compact seed cavity.

Cucurbita moschata 'Hunter'

Cucurbita moschata 'Jaspee de Verde'

Cucurbita moschata 'Masque de Provence'

Cucurbita moschata 'Metro PMR'

Cucurbita moschata 'Muscade de Provence'

Cucurbita moschata 'Muskatnaja Mestanaja'

Cucurbita moschata 'Musquee de Provence'

Cucurbita moschata 'Nice Long'

Cucurbita moschata 'Patty Pan'

Cucurbita moschata 'Sibley'

Cucurbita moschata 'Sprinter'

Cucurbita moschata 'Sucrine du Berry'

Cucurbita moschata 'Supreme Delite'

Cucurbita moschata 'Sweetmax'

Cucurbita moschata 'Tivoli'

Cucurbita moschata 'Trambolino'

Cucurbita moschata 'Trancheese'

Cucurbita moschata 'Triamble'

Cucurbita moschata 'Tromboncino' is a type of butternut squash primarily enjoyed as a summer squash. It is best harvested when young, typically pale green, and approximately 30 cm (1 ft) long. These immature fruits offer a sweeter taste and a drier texture compared to courgettes. The plant grows on trailing vines but can be trained to climb a trellis for vertical gardening. When allowed to mature fully, the fruit takes on a long, narrow, and occasionally twisted form, reaching about 1 m (39 in) in length, with a bulbous end opposite the stem. The skin is smooth and pale orange in hue. Once fully ripened, these squashes can be stored similarly to other varieties of winter squash.

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