Hardy Tropicals UK

I've tried some 'Turks turban' squash this year for a bit of fun and a talking point to go with the other random gourds that I grow. Mum likes to use them as table decorations in winter.
I aimed to grow them over my potting shed but as the shed wasn't built in time, I had to plant them out.
I thought that they were like gourds and not edible but have recently found out that they can be eaten.

Has anyone grown them before or when would I know if they are ready to pick?

Never grown them but they look great, definitely a talking point. The last but one pic reminds me of a huge half peeled orange. Weird and wonderful

Di

Well hopefully by the end of autumn I should have plenty of seeds going begging if anyone is interested.

Looking forward to a taste test in the not too distant future!

I'd be interested Springy if you have any spare, I'm always up for trying something new Interesting to look at and edible.

Di

Squashes are ready to pick when the foliage starts to die back. Don't pick them too early. as they won't be ripe enough.

Thanks for that advise Mo!
I was going to pick the biggest one this weekend but I won't now I know that!

I have seeds here Di from the batch I sowed this year, plus I'll send you some from the picked 'fruits' as well after harvest.

those are on my list of 'must haves' for next year

cucamelons are another

and I will try gemsquash (used to grow them in south africa).... boil them, then fill them with sweetcorn and bake for a few min and you have a great meal

If you are picking to store Squash (overwinter) then generally speaking:

Leave late maturing varieties for as long as possible, but be sure to pick them before first frost.

Cut them off with as generous a "T" of stem as reasonable (tricky if you are also trying to leave another fruit on further down the stem)

Put the in conservatory/greenhouse in full sun for a week or so to harden the skin (but make sure it is frost free )

Thank you very much Springy.

I have plans on a veg garden next year, I'm quite looking forward to it as I've never seriously grown veggies before, just the odd tomato plant and such. I will get help as well from my o/h hopefully with the preparing of the ground and the heavy work (it's a lawned area at the minute so will need a lot of work). These Squash should make a nice addition and look exotic as well.

Thanks Kristen and Mo, those tips will come in useful for next year.

Di