Castanet

I have a squash that I never planted that is growing among my tomatoes.

I am having a hard time identifying it. I am curious about what it is, it is growing in half of a wooden barrel which doesn't have a lot of room, so I am hoping that it is not a pumpkin or other large squash.

I have tried 3 times now to attach photos but I guess I am not doing it right.

The leaves are broad and slightly jagged on the edges, the flowers are pinky-purple(so far I have only had male flowers) and the buds are in tight clusters of about half a dozen.

I hope this is a good description, If more info is needed I will gladly provide it.

Sounds like an eggplant.

If it's a volunteer cucurbit it could be pretty much anything.

Likely from a seed from last year's crop/compost.

Also likely it's a cross breed - especially if you can't recognize it.

This is super common - however, if it's a cross the resulting product is almost always horrible tasting. I've grown a few mystery squash/pumpkin hybrids. Always fun to see what the end result is - always tastes horrible.

TylerM4 wrote:Likely from a seed from last year's crop/compost.

Also likely it's a cross breed - especially if you can't recognize it.

This is super common - however, if it's a cross the resulting product is almost always horrible tasting. I've grown a few mystery squash/pumpkin hybrids. Always fun to see what the end result is - always tastes horrible.

Depends upon how you cook them. Pumpkin on the half shell is not great, but roasted seeds and pumpkin pie are great. Spaghetti squash in a pie is not so good, but as a side dish smothered in butter .....now you got something.

looking4one wrote:
Depends upon how you cook them. Pumpkin on the half shell is not great, but roasted seeds and pumpkin pie are great. Spaghetti squash in a pie is not so good, but as a side dish smothered in butter .....now you got something.

Sure I suppose. The ones I've tried tho - I don't think any recipe would fix. I've tried eating 3 different squash like this and they were either bitter, all seed/no flesh, really woody/tough meat, or just plain had an awful taste. These were cooked in an oven, basted in butter, salt, and brown sugar. Should make anything taste good..

I did some internet research and my experience is pretty typical from what I read.

Chuck em out. Better luck next year.

Many years ago, we had some pumpkins which seemed to be crossed with zucchini. Weirdest looking Jack-o'-lanterns ever... We didn't eat any of them so I don't know how they tasted.