Besides being delicious and very decorative, squashes can be customised by engraving, allowing a name, a short text or a design to be inscribed. Indeed, simply scarify their epidermis with a sharp knife: as it heals, the squash will form a ridge at the site of the inscription you made. We explain how to personalise your squashes, so you can use them as decoration or give an original gift to friends and family.

Which variety to choose?

Many varieties can be personalised. Among the most suitable, you can for example engrave a pumpkin, a butternut, a spaghetti squash, a Hubbard squash, and even a courgette… For the inscription to be clearly legible, it is best to use a squash with a uniform colour and a relatively smooth skin. Ideally, avoid musky squashes, Siam squashes, Patidou squashes, and 'Jack Be Little' which are very small. Likewise, pattypan squash has skin that is too pale for the engraving to stand out well.

Engraving squashes
Many varieties of squashes can be engraved, but for a nicer result favour varieties with a uniform, smooth skin.

When to engrave a squash?

As soon as the squash is well developed and you can press a fingernail into the epidermis. In general, this corresponds to early or mid-summer, but it also depends on the variety you grow and on the climate. Engrave your squash as soon as it reaches about one third to one half of its final size. However do not wait too long, because the epidermis must not become too hard and lignified.

Names engraved on squashes
You can engrave a name on squashes. Over time, the epidermis will form a scar ridge at the site of the engraving, making it clearly visible.

How to do it?

  • Use a sharp, disinfected knife, or any other pointed cutting tool.
  • You can write a loved one's name, make a small drawing, write a short phrase ("Have a lovely day", "Welcome to the garden", etc.). In reality, it depends what you want to do with your engraved squash: give it as a gift, keep it as decoration… You can start by marking a template on the squash with a marker, then follow that marking with the blade.
  • Bear in mind your inscription will expand over time (letters will become larger and more spaced), as the squash undergoes growth!
  • Gently press the blade into the epidermis of your squash to about 2 mm depth, and make your inscription.
  • Now just wait until harvest!
  • Over time, the squash will form a scar ridge, which will give relief and thickness to your engraving, making it increasingly visible.
  • Harvest your squash before first autumn frosts. You can then keep it for several months in a cool, dry place, checking from time to time that it is not rotting.

It is also possible to engrave squashes and decorate them after harvest. This is what is usually done with gourds or pumpkins (as with Halloween decorations).

Hearts engraved on squashes