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.