Squash (Cucurbita)

Cucurbita (Latin for gourd) is a genus in the family Cucurbitaceae, also known as cucurbits or the gourd family. They are native to South and Central America extending as far north as Mexico.

Top down view of a wooden crate with various types of squash. The box is sitting in the garden next to live plants.

Five common species produce edible fruit and are known as squash, pumpkins, or gourds, depending on the species and cultivar.

The species that make up the Cucurbita genus include:

C. argyrosperma (winter squash including Japanese pie pumpkin and silver-seed gourd)
C. ficifolia (fig-leaf gourd, Malabar gourd, black seed squash)
C. maxima (winter squash including Hubbard and buttercup, select pumpkins, and various gourds)
C. moschata (select summer and winter squash and gourds including butternut, crookneck, and Dickson pumpkin).
C. pepo (most summer squash, most cultivated pumpkins, various gourds, select winter squash varieties)

There are other kinds of gourds that belong to the genus Lagenaria (collectively known as bottle gourds or hard-shell gourds). These are native to Africa.

These herbaceous vines belong to the same family and subfamily as common Cucurbita species, but they are in a different tribe. Some of these other species are edible, but most often serve as utensils, storage vessels, bird houses, or decorations.

From Crookneck to Zucchini: Your Summer Squash Growing Guide

Vegetables Cucurbits (Cucurbitaceae), Squash (Cucurbita)

A zucchini with light and dark green stripes grows in the garden, on a plant with thick stems and large leaves.

Summer squash is a delectable addition to most any recipe. But do you know how to provide the best growing conditions for your crop? Whether you choose zucchini, yellow crookneck, or another variety, our growing guide will teach you how to achieve a bigger and better harvest this year. Read more now on Gardener’s Path.

9 Quick Tips to Make Jack-O’-Lanterns Last

Tips & Hacks Cucurbits (Cucurbitaceae), Pumpkins, Squash (Cucurbita), Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima)

A person wearing a blue plaid shirt and an apron carves a jack-o'-lantern, with more large orange pumpkins to the left, on a wood work surface with scattered fall leaves and green foliage in soft focus in the background.

Nothing says Halloween like jack-o’-lanterns, but what good are they if they rot before you can say trick-or-treat? Before you go to the farmers market, read 9 quick tips to make carved pumpkins last longer. From selecting the best to inhibiting moisture, we’ve got ideas you can use, right here on Gardener’s Path.

The Complete Guide to Growing Winter Squash

Vegetables Cucurbits (Cucurbitaceae), Squash (Cucurbita), Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima)

Four butternut squash growing on a green vine with large green leaves, on a bed of dried brown leaves.

Did you know there’s a solid plan you can follow to ensure that your winter squash produce maximum harvests? Get expert tips for planting, tending, and picking all of your favorite varieties – including butternut, acorn, pumpkin, and spaghetti. Read more now on Gardener’s Path to learn how to grow your own at home.