Pattypan Squash
Cucurbita pepo 'Pattypan'
vegetableA compact, bushy summer squash producing scalloped flying-saucer-shaped fruits in yellow, green, and white. Tender sweet flesh with a mild flavor. Among the most ornamental summer squashes in the garden, beautiful harvested young at 2 to 3 inches. Excellent for stuffing whole, grilling, or sautéing.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~50 days
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
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Spacing
24-30 in
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Planting Depth
1 in
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Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At planting with compost; side-dress balanced fertilizer when plants start vining
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10; avoid excess nitrogen which causes large plants and few fruits
🌱 Growing Guide
Direct sow after last frost when soil is above 65 F, or transplant 3-week-old starts carefully without disturbing roots. Pattypan is a bush type that stays more compact than other summer squashes. Space 24 to 30 inches. Hand-pollinate in the morning if fruit sets poorly. Pick every 2 to 3 days because overripe pattypans become tough and seedy. Prolific producer throughout summer.
Planting Calendar
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Start seeds indoors
Mar 25
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Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
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Projected first harvest
Jun 18
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Nasturtium: Aphid trap crop; deters squash bugs at the border
- Corn: Three sisters companion that provides light shade
- Beans: Fix nitrogen; three sisters combination
- Marigold: Deters squash beetles and nematodes
❌ Keep away from
Potato
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Row cover until flowering; Bt injection into stem base; aluminum foil wrap on stem
Handpick adults and bronze egg clusters on leaf undersides; trap under boards at night
Increase spacing; remove affected leaves; neem oil or sulfur spray
Kaolin clay spray; row cover on seedlings; beneficial nematodes
🌾 Harvest & storage
Best at 2 to 3 inches for scalloped miniatures, delicious stuffed and roasted whole. Standard harvest at 4 to 5 inches. Skin should yield slightly to thumbnail pressure. Older fruits have hard skin and large seeds. Check plants daily in peak summer. Store at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Low in calories; provides vitamin C, B6, potassium, and manganese. Yellow varieties contain lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. High water content and fiber content.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.