Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
J&Em, thank you very much. I agree that the example in A does look more like what I was growing. I will look at the links you posted later when I have time.
I still have seeds because I still have about 25 of the fruit, waiting in the garage until I find out what to do with them. A few had to be thrown away as they were bruised and rotting. Most that were mature when picked seem to be turning a light orange, nearly cream color. The immature ones seem to be keeping that green striped color that reminds me of the outside of a watermelon.
They never developed the neck that the cushaw seems to have. All ended up in a shape more like a small butternut squash, exactly as shown in your example A above. I'll have to cut one of the mature ones open to look at the seeds.
I have found that squash and gourds and pumpkins all cross fertilize and plants that look very much like yours are the result. If that is what you have.....they aren't pretty like ornamental gourds, aren't delicious like winter squash and have little to no decorative value......BUT each one is full of seeds that will also germinate. I would put them in the garbage not the compost and get rid of them. If you want gourds buy a package of seeds next year....you will get all kinds of interesting colors, shapes and textures.They will not be edible, but interesting. (Of course I could be wrong.)
I have found that squash and gourds and pumpkins all cross fertilize and plants that look very much like yours are the result. If that is what you have.....they aren't pretty like ornamental gourds, aren't delicious like winter squash and have little to no decorative value......BUT each one is full of seeds that will also germinate. I would put them in the garbage not the compost and get rid of them. If you want gourds buy a package of seeds next year....you will get all kinds of interesting colors, shapes and textures.They will not be edible, but interesting. (Of course I could be wrong.)
I've found the same thing, Elston....they do cross. Great advice! Start from anew! And, I'm glad you liked the Heap!
J&Em, thank you very much. I agree that the example in A does look more like what I was growing. I will look at the links you posted later when I have time.
I still have seeds because I still have about 25 of the fruit, waiting in the garage until I find out what to do with them. A few had to be thrown away as they were bruised and rotting. Most that were mature when picked seem to be turning a light orange, nearly cream color. The immature ones seem to be keeping that green striped color that reminds me of the outside of a watermelon.
They never developed the neck that the cushaw seems to have. All ended up in a shape more like a small butternut squash, exactly as shown in your example A above. I'll have to cut one of the mature ones open to look at the seeds.
You are welcome. The ID process is very complicated with the whole family of pumpkins and squash, and even within a true to seed group there can be a big variety due to weather, disease and even soil conditions. The initial fruit really was following the pattern for many of the green striped cushaws but it's final fruit probably was showing there was a cross pollination. You have a mutt that still has the parent leaves and it may/may not taste good and makes a sad decoration. I'd have to agree with those who encourage you to at least try it, but not hold my breath that it is the best ever eating squash at this point. There is a good chance it may have gotten overripe at this point as well, like a baseball bat zucchini. Thanks for an interesting season of guessing!
Quote:
Originally Posted by elston
I have found that squash and gourds and pumpkins all cross fertilize and plants that look very much like yours are the result. If that is what you have.....they aren't pretty like ornamental gourds, aren't delicious like winter squash and have little to no decorative value......BUT each one is full of seeds that will also germinate. I would put them in the garbage not the compost and get rid of them. If you want gourds buy a package of seeds next year....you will get all kinds of interesting colors, shapes and textures.They will not be edible, but interesting. (Of course I could be wrong.)
I could not agree more with your assessment. I know people who purposely cross pollinate their plants and then try growing the "surprise" squash the following year. I'd say maybe a 1/3 of the time it tastes OK, but most of the time they are just "interesting" mutt fruits. Every once in a while they are very decorative. I'd take a look at the seeds out of curiosity and then ditch every last one of them in the trash, too.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Take Your Pick From Our State of Delaware - Fifer's Orchards- The Real Things 
