Volunteer squash - acorn and hybrids - Ask Extension
I started converting grass to native plants along the front walkway but used my own compost and got a wonderful patch of squash and/or melons. Can yo...
Knowledgebase
Volunteer squash - acorn and hybrids #876899
Asked July 11, 2024, 9:24 PM EDT
I started converting grass to native plants along the front walkway but used my own compost and got a wonderful patch of squash and/or melons. Can you please help me identify them? I grew spaghetti squash last year, but these are not all spaghetti squash. Thanks!
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
The latter two resemble acorn squash's shape, but we cannot say for sure what they are. Hybrid crosses can occur among squash (pollen transfer among plants in your own garden or even from another person's garden that bees have visited). Further, even seeds from store-purchased squashes can sometimes germinate in compost. Volunteer squashes (all members of the cucurbit family) are edible. It may be "pot-luck" as to their flavor, texture, and overall eating quality.
This page on our website provides some additional information: Vegetables Not True to Type
Christa
This page on our website provides some additional information: Vegetables Not True to Type
Christa
Thanks Christa! I’m relieved to hear they will be edible. I just hope none of the many critters get to sample them before we do.
You're welcome.