Squash/gourd id help please!

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by Cornsquashandy, Dec 21, 2025 at 10:21 AM.

  1. Cornsquashandy

    Cornsquashandy Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi everyone
    Here’s a pic of a squash/gourd that someone gave me the seedling for last summer.
    The skin is very hard so peeling it is very difficult; not like a pumpkin or butternut squash.
    Could it be an inedible gourd?
    Any suggestions gratefully received! upload_2025-12-21_10-19-26.png IMG_0633.jpeg
    Thank you

    upload_2025-12-21_10-19-26.png
     
  2. Escarpment

    Escarpment Total Gardener

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    It doesn't look like there's enough flesh on it to be worth bothering trying to eat it.
     
  3. Cornsquashandy

    Cornsquashandy Apprentice Gardener

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    I thought that too for this one, but I do have a couple of bigger ones as well. Just don’t fancy getting ill from eating an inedible one. Either way, if anyone knows what it is I’d be interested to know. Thanks!
     
  4. Escarpment

    Escarpment Total Gardener

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    The main risk with squash plants is high levels of cucurbitacin which can make you very ill. You can get this in courgettes too.
     
  5. Philippa

    Philippa Gardener

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    Could the seedling have been the result of a cross ? Have you looked at any sites selling ornamental ones at all - tho I wouldn't describe yours as ornamental .
    The only ornamentals I have grown in the past were Turks Turban and Bottle Gourds but I imagine there are quite a few others by now.
     
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