Patty Pan Squash: Pot-To-Plate

Patty pan squash, also known as scallop squash, is a type of summer squash with a delicate, mild flavour akin to zucchini. It has a unique, flattened, UFO-like shape with scalloped edges, and comes in colours such as yellow, dark green, white, pale green, and bi-colours. Patty pan squash is surprisingly easy to grow from seed in a pot, and this guide will take you through the process step-by-step.

Soil preparation and planting

Patty pan squash seeds can be raised indoors in pots or directly in the ground. If you're planting in a pot, choose a large, roomy container with a drainage hole, or a large grow bag, that is 10 to 12 inches wide and 10 inches deep to give the plant room to grow. For ground planting, improve the soil by digging in lots of well-rotted manure, your own garden compost, or a proprietary soil improver. Fork in plenty of bulky organic matter into the soil, improving an area at least 50cm square and 30cm deep for each plant.

For pot planting, fill the container with compost, potting soil, a handful of sand, and some perlite to create a light and well-draining mix. Place one or two germinated seeds about 1/2 inch deep into the soil and lightly cover them, then lightly mulch the top. For ground planting, sow two seeds per hill, and place them about 1 inch deep. Each hill can be thinned to one or two plants once the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall. Space the hills 2 to 3 feet apart. If planting in rows, space the plants about 10 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows.

The soil temperature should be at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit before planting. Patty pan squash should be planted outdoors after the last frost, usually in late May or early June. Young plants may need extra protection on cold nights, so have bell cloches or fleece on hand.

Germination

You can also germinate patty pan squash seeds by soaking them in water for 24 hours before planting. The soil temperature should be about 70 degrees Fahrenheit before you plant your seeds. Plant the seeds half an inch deep and six inches apart. Thin out the seedlings once they emerge but make sure they have at least two leaves to keep growing.

Patty pan squash seeds can be started indoors about four weeks before the last frost date. However, it is not necessary to start them indoors as they have a short maturity time. If you do start them indoors, use loose potting soil and place the seeds about an inch deep. Provide lots of sunlight and water regularly until it is time to transplant them outdoors.

Care and maintenance

Patty pan squash is easy to grow and can be grown in containers, buckets, in-ground, or raised beds. They are a great option for beginner gardeners or those with limited space.

Soil

Patty pan squash should be grown in rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.1 to 6.5. The soil temperature should be at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit before planting. Improve the soil by adding well-rotted manure, garden compost, or a proprietary soil improver.

Watering

Keep the plants well-watered, especially when producing blooms and squash. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, including rain. Mulching helps retain moisture and keep the shallow root system cool and moist. Consistent watering is key, and a layer of mulch will help with this.

Sunlight

Patty pan squash grows best in full sun.

Spacing

Space the seeds about 6 inches apart and thin them out after they emerge, leaving at least two leaves per seedling. Space mature bush summer squash plants about 20 inches apart, with 2 feet between rows. When planting in rows, space the plants about 10 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows.

Fertilizer

Side dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer every four weeks while the plants are producing flowers and fruit.

Pollination

Patty pan squash plants produce both male and female flowers, and both are needed for pollination to occur. Hand pollination can be done by picking the first male blooms and brushing them against the female blooms. Multiple plants will increase the chances of successful pollination.

Pests and Diseases

Common pests include cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and squash vine borers. Common diseases include powdery mildew, which can be treated with a baking soda spray or milk remedy.

Common pests and diseases

Like other squash, patty pan plants are susceptible to some common pests and diseases. Here are some of the most prevalent issues:

• Cucumber Beetles: These beetles feed on seedlings, mature leaves, blossoms, and fruits. They can also spread bacterial wilt and mosaic virus. They tend to overwinter nearby and can produce multiple generations per season. To prevent major infestations, it is recommended to rotate crops.
• Squash Bugs: Squash bugs are small gray or brown insects that feed on leaves, causing them to wilt. While they prefer winter squash, they will also attack and kill young patty pan vines. Organic treatments such as neem oil and diatomaceous earth are effective deterrents.
• Squash Vine Borer Larvae: These larvae bore into the base of the stem and feed there until they mature, disrupting the vine's circulation. Unfortunately, there is no cure once the plant is affected. However, this issue can be prevented by spraying plants with BT (Bacillus thuringiensis), a natural bacteria.
• Powdery Mildew: During humid summers, patty pan plants may be affected by powdery mildew, which weakens the plant and reduces fruiting. To get rid of it, you can use either a baking soda spray or a milk remedy.

To minimize pest and disease problems, it is important to regularly inspect your patty pan plants and implement preventive measures or treatments as needed. Companion planting with certain plants, such as marigolds and nasturtiums, can also help deter pests.

Harvesting

Patty pan squash can be harvested in as little as 45 to 70 days, depending on the variety. The fruits can be picked when they are about 2 inches in diameter and will remain tender until they reach 4 inches. Each squash weighs less than 1 pound. Check your summer squash daily, as they can reach harvest size within four days of flowering. It is advisable to wear gloves when harvesting if your hands are sensitive.

Patty pan squash can be cooked in a variety of ways. They can be steamed, roasted, sliced, diced, braised, grilled, fried, or stuffed. They can also be cooked whole, which avoids the problem of how to slice the squash due to its odd shape. To steam, place the whole squash over boiling water for four to six minutes, depending on its size. To roast, slice the squash in half, coat with olive oil or butter, season, and place on a baking sheet in the oven at 420 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes.

To store patty pan squash, keep them dry, unwashed, and stored for up to three or four days in an open plastic or paper bag in your refrigerator's crisper drawer at about 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions