Ella Walter
Patty pan squash, also known as scalloped squash, is a unique summer squash variety with a flattened, round, and wavy-edged shape, resembling a flying saucer. With a nutty flavour and a texture similar to zucchini, it is a tasty and versatile vegetable that can be sautéed, grilled, fried, steamed, or roasted. Growing this squash is relatively easy, and this paragraph will introduce you to the basics of cultivating your own tasty patty pan squash.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil type | Rich, well-draining |
| Soil temperature | At least 65°F |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Planting time | Mid-April to early June |
| Spacing | 2-3 feet apart |
| Seeds per hill | 2-3 |
| Thinning | 1-2 plants per hill |
| Seedling height | 2-3 inches |
| Vine spread | 4-6 feet |
| Days to mature | 45-70 days |
| Harvest size | 2-4 inches in diameter |
| Colour | White, green, yellow, or bi-colour |
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What You'll Learn
Planting time and location
Pattypan squash is an annual summer squash in the cucumber family. It is usually planted in the spring, with a possible second planting in the summer. The best time to start planting is mid-April, and the first fruit will be ready in 45 to 70 days, depending on the variety.
The soil should be warmed to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to direct sow the squash in the garden. Choose a site with full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Improve the soil by digging in lots of well-rotted manure, your own garden compost, or a proprietary soil improver.
Squash is often planted in hills or clusters. Good companion plants include cucumbers, radishes, peas, beans, pumpkins, corn, marigolds, and nasturtium flowers. The flowers help to repel pests. Space the hills 2 to 3 feet apart, place two to three seeds per hill, and plant them about 1 inch deep. Once the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, each hill can be thinned to one or two plants. If planting in rows, space plants about 10 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows.
This spacing will give the plants plenty of room to grow and allow for air circulation. Pattypan squash is a bush variety and does not need support. However, you can plant it near a trellis or tomato cage to grow it vertically and save space.
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Soil preparation
Paddy pan squash is a bush variety, so it won't need support. However, you can plant it alongside a trellis or tomato cage to grow it vertically and save garden space. Good companion plants for paddy pan squash include cucumbers, radishes, peas, beans, pumpkins, corn, marigolds, and nasturtium flowers. The flowers will help to repel garden pests.
Once the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, each hill can be thinned to one or two plants. Young plants may need extra protection on cold nights, so have bell cloches or fleece on hand in case cool weather is forecast. You'll get the heaviest crops in a sunny, sheltered spot, but plenty of moisture and a well-fed soil are also essential.
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Spacing and planting
The best time to start planting patty pan squash is in mid-April, though you can also raise them from seed in May, to be planted out once frosts have passed, usually in late May or early June. Young plants may need extra protection on cold nights, so have bell cloches or fleece to hand in case cold weather is forecast.
Patty pan squash is often planted in hills or clusters. Choose a site with full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Good companion plants include cucumbers, radishes, peas, beans, pumpkins, corn, marigolds, and nasturtium flowers. The flowers help to repel garden pests. Space the hills 2 to 3 feet apart, place two to three seeds per hill, and plant them about 1 inch deep. Once the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, each hill can be thinned to one or two plants. If planting in rows, space plants about 10 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows. This spacing will give your plants plenty of room to grow and allow for air circulation between them.
Patty pan squash is a bush variety, so it won't need support. However, you can plant it alongside a trellis or tomato cage to grow it vertically and save garden space. The squash vines can spread 4 to 6 feet, so give them plenty of room to grow. The first fruit will be ready in 45 to 70 days, depending on the variety.
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Care and maintenance
Paddy pan squash is relatively easy to grow and maintain. It is a summer squash, so it should be planted in full sun, in rich, well-draining soil. You can improve the soil by mixing in compost, rotted manure, or a proprietary soil improver. Squash is often planted in hills or clusters, with 2 to 3 feet of space between each hill and 3 feet between rows. When planting, place two to three seeds per hill, about 1 inch deep. Once the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, thin them to one or two plants per hill.
Paddy pan squash is a bush variety, so it won't need support. However, you can plant it alongside a trellis or tomato cage to grow it vertically and save space. The squash will mature between 45 and 70 days, depending on the variety. Keep the plants well-watered and ensure they have plenty of room to grow. Good companion plants include cucumbers, radishes, peas, beans, pumpkins, corn, marigolds, and nasturtium flowers. The flowers will help to repel pests.
Harvest the squash when they are between 2 to 4 inches in diameter. For the best flavour, pick them when they are still small and change colour from green to golden yellow. The larger the squash gets, the tougher it will be. You can prepare the harvested squash in a variety of ways, including slicing, dicing, braising, grilling, frying, roasting, or stuffing.
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Harvesting
Paddy pan squash, also known as scalloped squash, is a summer squash variety with a unique flattened, round, and scalloped shape. It is relatively easy to grow and harvest. The harvesting time for paddy pan squash depends on the variety and whether it is grown from seed or a set plant.
The first fruit is typically ready for harvest within 45 to 70 days from germination. For set plants, the harvest can begin in a little over a month, while it takes about two months for plants grown from seeds. The fruit should mature between 49 and 54 days. The colour of the fruit will change from green to golden yellow when it is ready to be picked.
For the best flavour, harvest the paddy pan squash when they are about 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Smaller squash tend to be more tender and have less moisture content. The squash can grow to 7 inches across, but they become tougher as they get larger.
Paddy pan squash can be prepared in various ways, such as slicing, dicing, braising, grilling, frying, roasting, or stuffing. They can also be steamed whole for four to six minutes. The squash are versatile and can be sautéed, grilled, fried, or steamed. The centres can be hollowed out and refilled with ingredients such as onions, mushrooms, cheese, herbs, or bacon.
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Frequently asked questions
Mid-April is a good time to start planting paddy pan squash.
Keep the squash well-watered.
Space the plants 2 to 3 feet apart.
Plant in rich, well-draining soil. Improve the soil by mixing in compost, rotted manure, or enriched commercial topsoil.
The fruit should mature between 45 and 70 days, depending on the variety.
