Despite their names, winter squashes are frost-sensitive and should be planted after the last frost date in your area. Although they grow around the same time as summer squash, there are differences. Read on to learn more, plus discover 6 of our favorite winter squash varieties for your garden.
Squash garden photo via Kusine/Flickr Creative Commons
Growing winter squash vs. summer squash
Zucchini photo by net_efekt/Flickr Creative Commons
Summer squash
Summer squash – such as zucchini shown above – is harvested at an immature and tender age. In fact, summer squashes don’t taste as good when they grow too large. In the right growing conditions, summer squash plants quickly produce dozens of fruit all summer long.
Kabocha seedling photo via Sa_ku_ra/Flickr Creative Commons
Winter squash
Winter squash are allowed to mature on the plant, and they are ideal for storing. Some will last the entire winter. They do, however, take longer to produce, often requiring 80 to 100 days.
See also our tips for growing squash, which you can apply to growing winter squash as well.
6 winter squashes to grow in your garden
Acorn Squash via HA! Designs—ArtbyHeather/Flickr Creative Commons
1. Acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo)
These deeply ribbed squashes are very popular due to their delicious flesh. Acorn squash matures rather quickly, making it well suited for colder climates with short summers. (80 days to maturity).
Butternut Squash via Chiot’s Run/Flickr Creative Commons
2. Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata)
The sweet, nutty flavor of butternut squash is beloved for casseroles, breads and soups, including Chef Brenda’s Butternut Squash Soup with Nasturtium Flowers recipe. Butternut squash is excellent for winter storage. (85 days to maturity).
Also try making:
Roasted Butternut Squash with Parmesan
Jarrahdale squash photo via tofu nutloaf/Flickr Creative Commons
3. Jarrahdale squash (C. maxima)
You’ll have to be patient when growing this blue-gray heirloom that matures to 6 to 10 lbs. each. Ornamental and delicious, the gorgeous Jarrahdale squash is worth the wait. (100 days to maturity).
Marina Di Chioggia squash photo via mswine/Flickr Creative Commons
4. Marina Di Chioggia (Curcubita maxima)
This heirloom originally comes from Chioggia, on the coast of Italy. The deep-yellow flesh is renowned for pies and baking. Productive vines produce winter squashes that eventually weigh 10 lbs. each. (95 days to maturity).
Spaghetti squash photo via essgee51/Flickr Creative Commons
5. Spaghetti Squash (Cucurbita pepo)
The pulp and flesh of this winter squash resembles spaghetti noodles, which gives this one its name. The oblong fruits grow to 3 to 5 lbs. each. (88 days to maturity).
You might also enjoy our post on how to cook spaghetti squash.
Turban squash photo via Sporkist/Flickr Creative Commons
6. Turban Squash (Curcubita maxima)
A relative of butternut squash, this pretty winter squash is also called Turk’s cap. Some say this squash is prettier than it actually tastes, but others swear by turban squash. See what you think of this old French heirloom. (90 days to maturity).
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