Best Types of Squash to Grow in Oregon

Best Types of Squash to Grow in Oregon

Oregon’s diverse climate, ranging from the cool, wet coastal regions to the warmer, drier interior, provides an excellent environment for growing a wide variety of squash. Whether you’re interested in growing summer or winter squash, the state’s moderate temperatures and fertile soils offer ideal conditions. This article will cover the best types of squash to grow in Oregon and provide tips for successful cultivation.

Summer Squash

Summer squash is known for its tender flesh, fast-growing nature, and ability to produce abundant harvests during the warmer months. Summer squash varieties are typically harvested when still immature, which ensures tender skins and sweet flavors.

1. Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)

Zucchini is one of the most popular and versatile summer squash varieties. It grows well in Oregon, particularly in the warmer regions of the state. Zucchini plants are highly productive and can yield fruit throughout the summer with proper care.

• Best Zucchini Varieties for Oregon:

  • Black Beauty: This classic dark green zucchini variety is a prolific producer and performs well in Oregon’s temperate climate. It has a mild flavor and is great for grilling, roasting, or making zucchini bread.
  • Raven: A compact variety, Raven is ideal for small gardens or containers. It produces deep green fruit with a tender texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
  • Golden Zucchini: This variety adds a splash of color to your garden with its bright yellow skin. It has a similar flavor to traditional green zucchini but is visually striking and great for adding variety to dishes.

• Growing Tips:

  • Zucchini prefers full sun and well-drained soil. In Oregon, plant zucchini after the last frost, typically in late spring, to ensure a steady summer harvest.
  • Harvest zucchini when they are about 6-8 inches long for the best flavor and texture.

2. Pattypan Squash (Cucurbita pepo)

Pattypan squash, also known as scallop squash, has a unique, saucer-shaped appearance and offers a mild, nutty flavor. It grows well in Oregon’s cooler coastal areas and warmer inland regions alike.

• Best Pattypan Varieties for Oregon:

  • Sunburst: This bright yellow pattypan squash is both beautiful and delicious. It grows well in Oregon’s coastal and inland areas and is resistant to pests and diseases.
  • Green Tint: A light green variety, Green Tint has a tender texture and sweet flavor. It’s great for roasting, grilling, or stuffing and performs well in the cool early summer months.

• Growing Tips:

  • Pattypan squash thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Oregon’s coastal areas, with their cooler temperatures, provide an ideal environment for this squash variety.
  • Harvest when squash are small (about 3 inches in diameter) for the best texture and flavor.

3. Crookneck Squash (Cucurbita pepo)

Crookneck squash is a favorite in many gardens due to its unique shape and buttery flavor. It thrives in Oregon’s warm summer conditions and produces prolifically throughout the growing season.

• Best Crookneck Varieties for Oregon:

  • Early Summer Crookneck: This heirloom variety is known for its bumpy skin, mild flavor, and tender texture. It’s one of the earliest producers, making it great for gardeners looking to harvest early in the season.
  • Yellow Crookneck: A smooth-skinned variety, Yellow Crookneck offers a slightly sweeter flavor and is resistant to common squash pests like vine borers.

• Growing Tips:

  • Crookneck squash needs full sun and plenty of water. Plant after the last frost in Oregon, and ensure you water deeply to encourage strong roots.
  • Pick when fruits are about 4-6 inches long to ensure the best texture and taste.

Winter Squash

Winter squash is grown primarily for its dense, sweet flesh and long storage life. In Oregon, winter squash varieties thrive in both coastal and inland regions, and they can be stored for months after harvest, making them a staple of fall and winter meals.

1. Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata)

Butternut squash is one of the most popular winter squash varieties, known for its sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture. It grows well in Oregon’s long, mild summers and can be stored for several months.

• Best Butternut Varieties for Oregon:

  • Waltham Butternut: This is the most widely grown butternut variety, offering excellent flavor and a high yield. It’s resistant to pests and diseases and can be stored for up to six months after harvest.
  • Honey Nut: A smaller version of the traditional butternut, Honey Nut offers intense sweetness and a rich flavor. It matures faster than larger varieties, making it ideal for Oregon’s shorter growing season areas.

• Growing Tips:

  • Butternut squash requires full sun and warm temperatures. Plant in late spring once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F, and space plants about 3-4 feet apart to allow for sprawling vines.
  • Harvest when the skin is hard, and the fruit has turned a deep tan color. Allow squash to cure in a warm, dry place for two weeks before storing.

2. Acorn Squash (Cucurbita pepo)

Acorn squash is a favorite winter variety due to its small size and sweet, nutty flavor. It is particularly well-suited for growing in Oregon’s cooler regions and stores well through the winter.

• Best Acorn Varieties for Oregon:

  • Table Queen: This classic acorn squash variety produces dark green fruit with ridged skin and sweet, golden flesh. It’s an excellent choice for Oregon’s cooler coastal areas.
  • Sweet Dumpling: A small, sweet variety with creamy white and green skin, Sweet Dumpling is perfect for roasting or stuffing. It matures quickly and is ideal for gardeners in areas with shorter growing seasons.

• Growing Tips:

  • Acorn squash needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil. It’s best to start seeds indoors in cooler areas of Oregon and transplant them after the last frost.
  • Harvest when the skin turns dark green and hard. Acorn squash does not need to be cured and can be stored for up to three months.

3. Delicata Squash (Cucurbita pepo)

Delicata squash is a small, cylindrical winter squash with sweet, tender flesh. It grows well in both coastal and inland Oregon and is prized for its rich flavor and ability to be eaten with the skin on.

• Best Delicata Varieties for Oregon:

  • Honeyboat: A sweeter variety of delicata, Honeyboat is one of the most flavorful winter squashes. It grows well in Oregon’s cooler coastal regions and produces early in the season.
  • Sugar Loaf: This variety is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. It grows quickly and produces small, delicious fruit perfect for roasting or stuffing.

• Growing Tips:

  • Delicata squash thrives in well-drained soil and needs full sun to produce the sweetest fruit. Plant seeds directly in the ground after the last frost or start indoors to get a jump on the growing season.
  • Harvest delicata squash when the skin has turned cream-colored with green stripes, and allow them to cure for about a week before storing.

General Growing Tips for Squash in Oregon

• Soil Preparation: Squash grows best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Before planting, amend your soil with compost or organic matter to ensure it is fertile. Oregon’s loamy soils in the Willamette Valley are especially ideal for growing squash.
• Watering: Squash plants need consistent moisture, particularly during flowering and fruiting. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, to encourage deep root growth.
• Pest Management: Common pests in Oregon squash gardens include aphids, squash bugs, and vine borers. Use row covers to protect young plants and consider companion planting with herbs like dill or marigolds to deter pests.
• Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around your squash plants helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. This is especially helpful in Oregon’s cooler regions.
• Succession Planting: To enjoy a continuous harvest of summer squash, consider succession planting. Start new seeds every 2-3 weeks during the growing season to keep your garden productive.

Conclusion

Oregon’s diverse climates allow for the successful cultivation of both summer and winter squash varieties. Whether you live in the cooler coastal regions or the warmer, drier areas, you can find a variety of squash that will thrive in your garden. From tender zucchini and crookneck squash to sweet butternut and delicata varieties, growing squash in Oregon is both rewarding and enjoyable. By selecting the right varieties for your region and following proper growing practices, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of delicious, homegrown squash.