[Bing]

Anyone know what this is called please?

[New shoot]

Looks like Tromboncino squash to me.  I think most people grow it to eat like a courgette.

[Kleftiwallah]

It's a gourd. But which one?  I'm afraid I've misp[laced my Organic Gardening catalogue just now,

Easy Peasy... next please!

Cheers,  Tony,

[mumofstig]

Looks like Tromboncino squash to me.  I think most people grow it to eat like a courgette.

Yes, Tromba d'Albenga squash

[Mr Dog]

Yes, Tromba d'Albenga squash

Have you ever let one get to maturity (and eaten it) mum? I've got 2 that got big while we were away so have left them to see what happens. They've straightened up now and are getting on for 4ft in length. Not sure what I'll do with them, even if they're still edible (although as I type I've just had a thought to save some seeds).

[Potterer]

I’ll be really interested in what happens if you leave them and if you get useful seeds Mr Dog. I’ve grown this for the first time this year and it’s been fantastic. Prolific veg which are great as firm courgettes as the seeds are only in one end. Don’t really need to bother with any other courgettes as one plant would feed the neighbourhood!

[New shoot]

Have you ever let one get to maturity (and eaten it) mum?

I have - as you say they turn into huge lurkers very quickly if you take your eyes off them

They are fine, but not as well flavoured as some.  The skin goes orange and fairly hard and they store moderately well.  If the skins seem soft, use them up quick.  I've cut dodgy ones up (skin and all), roasted them and frozen them for soups and curries before now.

I've never saved seeds as I have a Franchii packet which has loads in there, plus I grow other squashes nearby and they cross so easily.

[Mr Dog]

I have - as you say they turn into huge lurkers very quickly if you take your eyes off them

They are fine, but not as well flavoured as some.  The skin goes orange and fairly hard and they store moderately well.  If the skins seem soft, use them up quick.  I've cut dodgy ones up (skin and all), roasted them and frozen them for soups and curries before now.

I've never saved seeds as I have a Franchii packet which has loads in there, plus I grow other squashes nearby and they cross so easily.

Thankyou.

[Bing]

I doubt whether it is Cucuzza Squash? or Club Long Bottle Gourd?

[mumofstig]

oops, I missed this 

Even when ripe I still use them as you would a courgette: used longway slices as layers in Lasagna or to replace the aubergine in dishes like Moussaka and Parmigiana. Any damaged or unused squash can be cubed and frozen for winter soups,casseroles, or traybakes - as they are a bit firmer than courgettes they don't disintegrate when cooked. I love them.

[DHM]

Have to say, everyone's selling me on these Tromboncino's, looking for a climbing type for the polytunnel and these could fit the bill. What are they like for flavour?

[New shoot]

Have to say, everyone's selling me on these Tromboncino's, looking for a climbing type for the polytunnel and these could fit the bill. What are they like for flavour?

Good as courgettes and OK as squash.  Not as flavoursome as some I grow, but perfectly acceptable .  They are a good do-er, so in a poor year, you get a crop whatever and in a better year, you get loads