Varieties of Decorative Squash
- Squashes are a member of the Cucurbita family of plants. This family includes melons, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins and gourds. Squash are generally grouped into two subcategories depending on when they are harvested: summer or winter squash. Summer squash such as zucchini or cucumbers are harvested when they are immature. Winter squash such as pumpkins and decorative gourds are allowed to fully mature before they are picked in the fall. Squashes originated in Mexico and other parts of Central America.
- Pumpkins are one of the most recognizable ornamental squashes available.Dynamic Graphics Group/Dynamic Graphics Group/Getty Images
Pumpkins are one of the most popular decorative squashes, adorning front steps and porches everywhere during the fall. The classic thick yellow or orange shell can be thinly or thickly creased from the stem to the bottom of the fruit. There are dozens of varieties of pumpkins available on the market today, both to purchase and to grow in your own garden. Small varieties such as 'Jack-Be-Little' and 'Baby Boo' are mini pumpkins, measuring just a few inches across. Medium-sized pumpkins can range in size from 2 to 15 lbs. and include the classic 'Jack-O-Lantern' variety. Large pumpkins such as 'Big Tom' can range from 15 to 50 lbs. Topping out the scale are the extra-large varieties often seen in contest entries and which range from 100 lbs. to 1,000 lbs. or more. 'Atlantic Giant' is a popular variety grown for competitions. - Gourds or squash of all shapes, sizes and colors can be grown for decoration.Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
Many seed catalogs carry a wide variety of so-called "Fancy Gourd" mixes. These seed mixes are often sorted by overall gourd size, color or features, such as "winged" gourds. 'Gourd Eggs' is one variety that produces round, multicolored, striped or speckled decorative gourds in the shape of a chicken egg on up to the size of a goose egg. 'Speckled Swan' gourds take after their namesake, looking like a green-speckled swan. Other varieties that also take after their namesakes include 'Warted' and 'Winged.' - Luffa sponges, often sold in high-end bath boutiques, are made from a gourd.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Some ornamental gourds aren't just for looks. Several varieties also have a utilitarian side to them. 'Birdhouse' is a gourd that is often dried. The hollow shell that remains makes a perfect birdhouse after you cut a small access hole for the birds. 'Dipper' gourds can be cut in half after drying and used to carry water or to scoop liquids for easy drinking. Peel the skin off a dry 'Luffa' gourd, and you're left with a natural bath scrubber that will not only last a long time but also do a wonderful job of exfoliating your skin.
