This annual climber has thick stems with tendrils that form a trailing or compact habit. It has large variable dark green lobed leaves with spiny stems and the bright yellow male and female funnel-shaped flowers are followed by a large variable editable fleshy berry.

Hardiness zones 3 to 11

Cucurbita pepois thought to originate in Mexico and the southern North America but due to its long-term cultivation since 1,000 BC its origin is obscure. This is a large and diverse species and includes vegetable marrows, zucchinis, pumpkins and ornamental gourds from which there are considerable named varieties.

They prefer a sunny to partially shaded wind protected position and grow in well-drained organic rich moisture retentive sandy to clay loam with a pH range from 5.5 to 6.8 and are frost and drought tender.

Squash and its variations are grown for their edible or ornamental fruit. They are planted in small vegetable gardens over structures or in beds. They are also grown commercially in farms and some variations are grown ornamentally for their colourful fruit.

They are suitable for coastal or inland regions and establish in one season but are short lived. They can also be grown in large pots or planter boxes and trained over structures for screening. ID 1941

Cucurbita (koo-KER-bih-ta) pepo(PEP-oh)

Cucurbitaceae(koo-ker-bih-TAY-see-ee)
Gourd or Pumpkin Family