Emilie Meyer
Patty pan squash, also known as pattypan squash, is an annual vegetable in the cucumber family. It has a unique flattened or scalloped shape and comes in a variety of colours, including yellow, green, white, and bi-colours. Despite its exotic appearance, it is surprisingly easy to grow at home. This summer squash is usually planted in the spring, with possible second summer planting, and requires full sun and rich, well-draining soil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil type | Rich, well-draining |
| Soil temperature | At least 65°F |
| Sunlight | At least 6 hours of direct sunlight |
| Watering | Consistent and steady |
| Planting position | In hills or clusters |
| Planting depth | 0.5-1 inch |
| Spacing | 10 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows |
| Neighbours | Cucumbers, radishes, peas, beans, pumpkins, corn, marigolds, nasturtium flowers |
| Pests and diseases | Squash bugs, powdery mildew |
| Harvest time | 45-70 days |
| Harvest size | 2-4 inches in diameter |
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What You'll Learn
Planting times and locations
The best time to plant patty pans is in mid to late spring, once there is no longer a chance of frost in your area. If you live in the U.S., you can refer to the Farmer's Almanac or the USDA's Plant Hardiness Zones for guidance on the best dates for planting in your area. In Pennsylvania, for example, the ideal time is mid to late May. If you live in the low desert of Arizona, plant patty pans after the last frost (usually mid-February) through March and again from mid-August to September.
Patty pans can be raised from seed in May and planted outside once the 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 on hand in case cool weather is forecast.
Patty pans can be planted directly in the soil of your garden or in containers. If planting in the ground, choose a site with full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost before planting. Space 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.
If growing in containers, choose a pot that is at least 18 inches wide and deep, with a capacity of roughly 1,155 cubic inches (18,927 cubic centimetres). Five-gallon buckets are a great, inexpensive option. Use well-draining soil and place the containers in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of daily direct sunlight. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
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Soil preparation
When planting patty pans in hills or clusters, space the hills 2 to 3 feet apart and place two to three seeds about 1 inch deep in each hill. If planting in rows, space the plants about 10 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows. This spacing provides ample room for growth and air circulation.
For container gardening, choose a pot that is roughly 1,155 cubic inches (18,927 cubic centimetres) in size, such as a five-gallon bucket. Ensure the container is at least 18 inches (45 centimetres) wide and deep, providing enough space for the root system. Use well-draining soil and maintain consistent moisture without making it soggy.
Patty pan squash thrives in full sun, so choose a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can be planted alongside cucumbers, radishes, peas, beans, pumpkins, corn, marigolds, and nasturtium flowers, which help repel pests.
By preparing the soil with the appropriate nutrients, moisture, and sunlight, you'll create an ideal environment for your patty pan squash to flourish.
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Container requirements
Patty pans require a lot of space to grow, so choose a container that is large enough to accommodate their root system. A good rule of thumb is to select a pot that is roughly 1,155 cubic inches (18,927 cubic centimetres) in size. Five-gallon buckets are a great, affordable option. When planting seeds, ensure they are covered with 0.5 inches (1 centimetre) of soil.
Patty pans also require a lot of sunlight to thrive. Place your containers in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. If daytime temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C), provide shade to prevent overheating.
Consistent watering is crucial for proper growth and fruit production. Patty pans grown in containers will need to be watered more frequently than those planted directly in the garden. Monitor the leaves and overall appearance of the plant to determine if it needs more water. Wilting, yellowing, or drooping leaves are signs that your plant is thirsty. However, these symptoms can also indicate overwatering, so finding the right balance is essential.
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Watering and sunlight
Patty pans like well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist but not wet or soggy. Water them on a consistent, steady schedule. If growing in pots, they will need to be watered more frequently than those planted directly in the garden. You will know your patty pans need more water when their leaves wilt and yellow and/or the plant begins to droop. However, this can also be a sign of overwatering.
Patty pans are a type of summer squash, and they grow best and set the most fruit in full sun. They are usually planted in the spring, with a possible second summer planting, and they are not frost-tolerant. The best time to plant them is mid-to-late spring, once there is no longer a chance of frost in your area. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to wait until late May or early June to plant them outside. Young plants may need extra protection on cold nights, so have bell cloches or fleece to hand.
Patty pans grow well in containers, and they can be planted outside or germinated indoors and transplanted later. If you are growing them in containers, choose a pot that is roughly 1,155 cubic inches (18,927 cubic centimetres) in size. Five-gallon buckets are a great, cheap option.
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Harvesting and storing
The best time to harvest patty pan squash is when they are small, tender, and firm, about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in diameter. They can be harvested for use as "baby vegetables" when they are as big as a ping pong ball, or you can leave them on the plants until they reach the diameter of a softball. However, if you wait too long, the skin will no longer be smooth and edible. Once harvested, store the fruits in the refrigerator for up to a week. When harvested young, there is no need to peel them. If allowed to grow, the skin gets tough, and the seeds become large. Scoop out the seeds before stuffing the larger fruits.
Patty pan squash usually takes 45 to 70 days from germination to harvest, depending on the variety. For example, the 'Peter Pan' variety takes 50 days to grow and harvest, while 'Scallopini' takes 52 days, and 'Sunburst' and 'Gelber Englisher Custard' take 55 days. 'Sunny Delight' is a hybrid variety that requires 45 frost-free days to mature.
Patty pan squash is a summer squash, so it is typically planted in the spring, with a possible second summer planting. The best time to plant them is mid to late spring, once there is no longer a chance of frost in your area. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to wait until late May or early June to plant them outdoors. In the low desert of Arizona, patty pan squash can be planted from mid-February through March and again from mid-August through September.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to plant patty pans is mid to late spring, once there is no longer a chance of frost in your area. If you live in the U.S., check the Farmer’s Almanac or the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zones for guidance.
Patty pans can be raised from seed in May, to be planted out once frosts have passed, usually in late May or early June. Amend the soil with compost before planting. Plant seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep in well-draining soil, with 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) of space between seeds.
Patty pans need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day in order to thrive. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
Water your patty pans on a consistent, steady schedule to ensure a healthy, uniform crop. If growing in pots, they will need to be watered more frequently than those planted directly in the garden.
