Squash and Pumpkin 
Squash ( French, COURGE; Italian, ZUCCA; Spanish, CALABAZA; 
Danish, SQUASH-GRAESKAR; German, KURBISS) 
Squash and pumpkin belong to the gourd family and to a number of distinct groups or classifi¬ 
cations. The chief ones are Cucurbita Maxima, Cucurbita Moschata and Cucurbita Pepo (var. melo 
pepo). In our descriptions each variety is listed under its proper nomenclature that our readers may 
more readily determine those kinds which will cross-pollinate. 
Squash are generaly divided into two types, Winter Squash and Summer Squash. The winter 
kinds are those which can be stored and are used only when they have been fully matured. They 
belong to the family C. Maxima and comprise such varieties as the Hubbards, Banana and King of 
Mammoth. The seeds are large and enameled, usually white or brown in color and bright in appear¬ 
ance. Their habit of growth is always vining or trailing. They do not cross with any other of the 
cucurbita family except those kinds known as C. Moschata. Their principle use is for human con¬ 
sumption; nevertheless they are considered to be a well-balanced ration for livestock and are highly rel¬ 
ished by most domestic animals. These kinds are usually harvested by hand methods, must not be 
permitted to ferment before cleaning and are grown successfully in all parts of America with the 
exception of the southern latitudes. The heart or meat of the seed is used in confections and as 
medicines to some extent. The seed are also high in oil content but do not compare favorably 
to the present sources of raw oil. Among disease s and insect pests the black squash bug is likely the 
worst enemy to winter squash. It attacks the growing plant and bores through the stem to suck 
the juice. Spray manufacturers have finally developed a successful control for this insect. 
Summer squash (rightfully pumpkin) are members of the family C. Pepo and comprise chiefly 
those kinds which are eaten when young and immature. They include White Bush, Crookneck, 
Straightneck and the Vegetable Marrows as well as a few others that are used when fully ripe such 
as Table Queen, the Fordhooks, a few of the pumpkins, etc. Those kinds which are produced on a 
bush or upright plant are classified as Melopepo and are so listed in our descriptions to differentiate 
between those of running growth which are listed as C. Pepo. This class will readily cross-pollinate 
with the group C. Moschata and most likely with the yellow blossom ornamental gourds. They are 
quick growing plants, adapted to very general use because they thrive under almost any conditions 
and will endure both heat and drought. Harvesting is either by hand or with machinery. The seed 
require fermenting before being washed and cleaned. Seeds of this group are generally small in size 
and of a brownish color. These varieties are subject to most of the plant diseases and insect pests. 
Chiefly, among insects is the striped cucumber beetle. It is of interest to note that summer types of 
squash comprise perhaps, next to gourds, the widest range in shape and color that is known in any 
vegetable. 
C. Moschata consists of the family known as pumpkins which are considered edible only after be¬ 
coming fully ripe. Some kinds because of their lack of flavor are used largely for stock food. All pump¬ 
kins have running vines and the leaves differ from squash in that they are usually mottled with white. 
The seeds vary considerably in size and appearance. Among the Cushaw types are large, enameled seed 
with strange, irregular, engraved markings. Pumpkins are capable of producing enormous yields of fresh 
fruits among those kinds used for canning and feeding. They do not seem as susceptible to disease 
