Different Summer Squashes to Grow: A Guide for Garden Enthusiasts

Summer squash is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be grown easily in your own backyard. This member of the gourd family comes in many different varieties, each with their own unique flavor and texture. In this guide, we will explore some of the most popular types of summer squash to grow, as well as tips for planting, caring for, and harvesting them.

1. Zucchini

Fresh zucchinis on a wooden table

Zucchini is one of the most commonly grown types of summer squash. It has a mild flavor and a slightly firm texture, making it great for grilling, sautéing, or baking. Zucchini plants are easy to care for and can produce a large amount of fruit over the course of a growing season. To plant zucchini, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Sow seeds directly into the ground after the danger of frost has passed, and water regularly throughout the growing season.

2. Crookneck Squash

Yellow crookneck squash on a white background

Crookneck squash is a bright yellow variety of summer squash with a curved neck and bulbous bottom. It has a sweeter, more buttery flavor than zucchini, and a softer texture. Crookneck squash is great for making soups, stews, or casseroles. To grow crookneck squash, follow the same planting and care instructions as you would for zucchini. Be sure to harvest the fruit when it is small and tender for the best flavor.

3. Pattypan Squash

Pattypan squash with green and yellow stripes

Pattypan squash, also known as scallop squash, is a small, round summer squash with a scalloped edge. It comes in many different colors, including green, yellow, and white. Pattypan squash has a delicate flavor and texture, and can be eaten raw, sautéed, or roasted. To grow pattypan squash, choose a sunny location with fertile soil. Sow seeds directly into the ground after the danger of frost has passed, and water regularly throughout the growing season.

4. Yellow Squash

Ripe yellow squash on a white background

Yellow squash is a type of summer squash with a thin, edible skin and a slightly sweet flavor. It can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, pasta dishes, and gratins. Yellow squash is easy to grow and can produce a large amount of fruit over the course of a growing season. To grow yellow squash, follow the same planting and care instructions as you would for zucchini and crookneck squash.

5. Lebanese Squash

Lebanese squash with green and white stripes

Lebanese squash, also known as cousa squash or kusa, is a popular variety of summer squash in Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a cylindrical shape and a thin, tender skin that can be eaten without peeling. Lebanese squash has a nutty flavor and a firm texture, and is great for stuffing or grilling. To grow Lebanese squash, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Sow seeds directly into the ground after the danger of frost has passed, and water regularly throughout the growing season.

6. Eight Ball Zucchini

Eight ball zucchinis on a white background

Eight ball zucchini is a small, round variety of zucchini with a dark green skin. It has a slightly firmer texture and a slightly sweeter flavor than traditional zucchini. Eight ball zucchini is great for stuffing, grilling, or roasting. To grow eight ball zucchini, follow the same planting and care instructions as you would for traditional zucchini.

7. Sunburst Squash

Sunburst squash with yellow and orange stripes

Sunburst squash is a small, round summer squash with a bright yellow skin and orange stripes. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a firm texture, making it great for grilling or sautéing. Sunburst squash is easy to grow and can produce a large amount of fruit over the course of a growing season. To grow sunburst squash, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Sow seeds directly into the ground after the danger of frost has passed, and water regularly throughout the growing season.

8. Tromboncino Squash

Tromboncino squash growing on a trellis

Tromboncino squash, also known as zucchetta or climbing squash, is a vining variety of summer squash that can grow up to three feet long. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture, and can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and frittatas. Tromboncino squash can be trained to grow on a trellis, which saves space in the garden and makes harvesting easier. To grow tromboncino squash, choose a sunny location with fertile soil. Sow seeds directly into the ground or start them indoors and transplant when the weather warms up. Provide support for the vines as they grow.

Zucchini, crookneck squash, pattypan squash, yellow squash, Lebanese squash, eight ball zucchini, sunburst squash, and tromboncino squash are all great options for growing summer squash in your garden. By following these tips for planting, caring for, and harvesting your squash, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious vegetables all season long.