Mystery Squash HELP, please!

Hahira, GA(Zone 8b)

Hi! I do not usually post on this forum, but am appealing for your advice! My best edible successes have come from "volunteers", & this is looking like it won't be an exception, but I cannot figure out just WHAT squash this is! Four of these plants have appeared in various hanging baskets, pots, &, thankfully, one in an actual vegetable bed! The seeds must have come from my compost, though I thought I was careful to keep seeds out! I do not recognize this, but it may be a Delicata; however they have no stripes, & are not the normal shape (of Delicata) I see in pictures. The oldest squash (the one in this picture) has just turned an orangey color, & the skin is tougher, but still dents under thumbnail pressure. The babies are pale yellow, like summer squash. I have not picked one or cut one open - wanted to ask here first! Any help you can give will be very appreciated! Thanks, Samantha

Thumbnail by graceful_garden
Hahira, GA(Zone 8b)

Oh, here is a closeup of the leaves. And, the oldest squash is about 8" long x 4.5" wide at the widest point. Thanks again. Samantha

Thumbnail by graceful_garden
Augusta, GA(Zone 8a)

Most likely a cross between one of the yellow summer squashes and some other member of the family. This type of squash cross pollinates readily.

Hahira, GA(Zone 8b)

Farmerdill - Thank you - I was wondering if maybe I had some "accidental" squash!! Should I go ahead & pick it & cook it, or wait? Samantha

Augusta, GA(Zone 8a)

Probably be better used very young as a summer squash. Let the oldest squash mature and see if it develops flesh like a winter squash. Most true summer squash but not all dry up like a gourd.

Hahira, GA(Zone 8b)

Thanks again, Farmerdill! I truly appreciate your help! I'll let you know the results! Samantha

Biggs, KY(Zone 6a)

Looks like an acorn and a yellow straight neck had a love child? LOL

Hahira, GA(Zone 8b)

Cajun - yep, sure does! Except the I never grew either one of those! Cut the second oldest today, & it looks to me like it's not ripe - the flesh has a green tinge to it. The seeds seem like winter squash types, but small - immature? I am leaving the oldest one to see if it matures like a winter squash would... So, we're going to cook one & try it - I'll let you all know what we find out then! Samantha

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