Cucuzza Seed Saving Question

[ChristinaJoMD]

I planted some Cucuzza Gourd (treat and eat like squash) and I want to know if it will cross with my other squashes.

Cucuzza (Lagenaria Siceraira)

Lemon (Curcubitaceae Pepo)

Tatume (Curcubitaceae Pepo)

I am thinking I'm safe, but I want to make sure. Thanks!

[Hairy Moose Knuckles]

It's not a squash, it's a gourd. We call it Guinea Bean.

[remy]

For future reference the first name of the plant is the genus Cucuzza's would be Lagenaria. The second name is the species which would be siceraria. So you need not ever worry that a plant with a different genus name will ever cross with each other. So true squash, Cucurbita, will not cross with Lagenaria.
In general the species name helps you figure out which plants cross with each other within a genus. So taking squash for an example Zucchini Cucurbita pepo will not cross with Butternut Cucurbita moschata, but Zucchini will cross with Spagetti Cucurbita pepo. So since the 2 squash you are growing this year are both C. pepo, they will cross with each other. When it comes to vegetables, it is pretty cut and dry that different species do not cross in a garden (stuff that occurs in the laboratory setting is another story.)
With flowers it is not always so cut and dry. Normally species do not cross, but sometimes species crossing can occur because in reality the one species is actually a sub species being when grown separate, it will look unique but once grown with the other it will take on the characteristics of the dominate species, or they are so close genetically that new crosses will happen every once in awhile. Since we are talking veggies here though, I'll quit without examples
Remy

[ChristinaJoMD]

Thanks!

I have never grown the Cucuzza( I have people on the web calling it a squash). I read that it was a gourd. I was getting confused.

Thanks again for the info!

[remy]

Well, really it should be called a squash substitute, and it is just peoples' habit to shorten things up. To call it a gourd would have people confused. When most people think of a gourd they think of an inedible decorative fruit.
Remy

[Hairy Moose Knuckles]

Originally Posted by remy

Well, really it should be called a squash substitute, and it is just peoples' habit to shorten things up. To call it a gourd would have people confused. When most people think of a gourd they think of an inedible decorative fruit.
Remy

Yes, absolutely. I was in a hurry that day. It's a great summer squash substitute. My uncle first grew it in the 70's. His pkg was labeled Guinea Bean. After he died, I started trying to find it, but I never could. I asked on the OG forum and found out it goes by many names.

[cajunater]

My grandfather grew them in his garden, and my family followed in his footsteps. I'd like to start a few hills myself, but I want to make sure I do it right before I start. I want to find out everything I can (placement regarding sun/shade; fertilizer; watering;how much frame is needed; and last but not least, when to plant. This is one of two items on my bucket list...the other is to grow enough nice-size garlic to make a braid. Thanks for all of the info......Gerry