Squash/Cucumber Cross Pollination

Question

I just read your atricle about squash not being able to cross pollinate cucumbers. Not to be argumentive, but you are incorrect, I have the vegetables right now, my cucumber plant is producing squash shaped vegetables that are colored in between a cucumber and squash. Cut into one and the smell is just like a cucumber, but the taste is sour. I have pictures and still have two of the vegetables whole. But it is possible, I spoke with NC State and the farmers extension today. Although strange, they are in the same family.

Answer 1

Cucumbers and squash are in the curcubit family, but they cannot cross pollinate. It is like humans and monkeys. Same basic family, but not compatible. Here is an article from the Iowa Extension Service on why it can't happen: https://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/node/981

Now, there are cucumbers that look and taste as you describe. One that comes to mind is a Mexican Sour Cucumber. You may have a mislabled plant or seed in your garden that was mislabled by the company that sold it to you.

Additionally, they may be under pollinated cucumbers. Some of the seeds get pollinated while others do not. It means one side fills out, while the other side does not. This article explains more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cucumber/deformed-cucumbers.htm