I have a question for all regarding spaghetti squash.
Grew a few mounds in close proximity to watermelon, crookneck, acorn and patty pan squashes.
The spaghetti squash was of three colors. Some were white, some were yellow and some were watermelon colored (mottled green/white)
The first spaghetti squashes were very spaghetti like on the insides. The latter ones didn’t have good development on their spaghetti strands as they were more like an acorn squash texture.
Do you think it’s possible that the squash cross bred with its surrounding cousins which changed the texture?
I don’t know, but it sounds possible that the squash might have done so.
It sounds like th hey did cross. I did spaghetti squash for the first time this year. One plant and I have plenty. Hubby took 6 into work, I gave away 2 and should have about 7 more. As they get more mature they get more yellow outside. I never plant more than one squash so they don’t cross. I always have zucchini but I never have a problem. You may just want to cut off any weird looking ones early so the plants don’t waste any energy maturing them.
Squash won’t cross with watermelon, but squashes in the same branch can cross with each other.
There are 4 main branches of the squash family. Mixta, maxima, moschata, and pepo. The squashes you listed are all pepos (pepoes?), which means they will cross freely.
If you want to save seed, make sure you pay attention to what will cross, and keep them isolated. Another option is to choose squashes from different branches so that they won’t cross.
Re-reading your question, was this all in the same year? Because a cross won’t show until you grow the seed out. If it’s the same-year fruits that are different, then I’d say it was a ripening issue.