Emilie Meyer
Patty pan squash, also known as scallop squash, is a summer squash cultivar with a delicate, mild flavour, similar to zucchini. It is small, scalloped, and round, and its unique shape makes it a fun addition to any garden. If you're looking to add some patty pan plants to your garden, here's how to get started with planting their seeds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil type | Rich, well-draining |
| Sunlight | Full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight |
| Seed depth | 0.5-1 inch |
| Seed spacing | 18-24 inches |
| Plant spacing | 10 inches between plants, 3 feet between rows |
| Hill spacing | 2-3 feet apart, 2-3 seeds per hill |
| Transplant date | 4-6 weeks before |
| Germination | Soak seeds in water for 24 hours |
| Container | At least 18 inches wide and deep |
| Soil mix | Compost, potting soil, sand, perlite |
| Watering | Consistent, deep watering |
| Mulching | Yes |
| Pest control | Monitor for squash bugs and cucumber beetles; plant with marigolds and nasturtiums |
| Harvest | When fruit is 2-4 inches in diameter, and still small |
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Soil and site preparation
Patty pan squash seeds should be planted in a sunny spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight. Ideally, the spot should receive morning sun and afternoon shade. If the daytime temperature rises above 90°F (32°C), ensure that you provide shade.
Patty pan squash grows best in rich, well-drained soil. If you're planting directly into the ground, space your seeds 2 to 3 feet apart and place two to three seeds about 1 inch deep into the soil. If you're 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 you're planting in a container, choose a large, roomy one with a drainage hole or a large grow bag 10 to 12 inches wide and 10 inches deep. 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 seeds about 1/2 inch deep into the soil, lightly cover them, and then lightly mulch the top.
Before planting, ensure that the soil is at least 60°F (15.5°C) and that all danger of frost has passed. Amend the soil with compost and ensure that you water your seeds consistently for proper growth and fruit production.
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Seed germination
Patty pan squash seeds can be germinated indoors or outdoors. If you choose to germinate them indoors, start four to six weeks before your transplant date. You can soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. After soaking, place the seeds about 1/2 inch into the soil, lightly cover them, and then lightly mulch the top. If you choose to germinate them outdoors, wait until the danger of frost has passed in your area, and the soil is at least 60°F (15.5°C).
When germinating patty pan squash seeds, choose a site with full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Good companion plants for patty pan squash include cucumbers, radishes, peas, beans, pumpkins, corn, marigolds, and nasturtium flowers. The flowers help to repel pests, such as squash bugs and beetles.
When planting patty pan squash seeds, space the seeds 2 to 3 feet apart, with 18-24 inches between seeds. Place two to three seeds about 1 inch deep into the soil. If planting in rows, space the seeds 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.
Keep the patty pan squash seeds well-watered and mulched. Provide shade when daytime temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C). Monitor the plants and check the undersides of the leaves daily for pests and diseases, such as squash bugs and powdery mildew.
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Planting
Patty pan squash is an annual vegetable in the cucumber family. It is also known as scallop squash due to its flattened or scalloped shape.
When planting patty pan squash, it is important to choose a site with full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Good companion plants for patty pan squash include cucumbers, radishes, peas, beans, pumpkins, corn, marigolds, and nasturtium flowers. The flowers help to repel pests, and the plants will benefit from consistent watering for proper growth and fruit production.
You can start patty pan squash seeds indoors about four weeks before the last frost date. To germinate the seeds, soak them in water for 24 hours before planting. When transplanting, adjust the seedlings slowly to the outdoor climate and sun. You can also directly sow the seeds in the garden or a container with well-drained soil. Place the seeds about 1 inch deep into the soil and lightly cover them. If planting in rows, space the plants about 10 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows. If planting in hills or clusters, space the hills 2 to 3 feet apart and place two to three seeds per hill. Once the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, thin each hill to one or two plants.
Patty pan squash grows well in containers, making it a good option for patios or balconies. Choose a large container with a drainage hole or a grow bag that is at least 10 to 12 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Fill the container with compost, potting soil, sand, and perlite to create a light and well-draining mix. Place one or two germinated seeds about 1/2 inch into the soil and lightly mulch the top.
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Pest control
Patty pan squash plants are susceptible to pests and diseases. The most common pests include cucumber beetles, squash bugs, vine borers, and aphids. To protect your squash plants from these pests, consider the following measures:
- Plant companion flowers: Marigolds, nasturtiums, and oregano can help deter beetles, squash bugs, and worms. Nasturtiums also attract natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Handpicking and removing: You can pick cucumber beetles off the leaves and blossoms by hand. Vine borer eggs should also be handpicked and removed to prevent infestations.
- Row covers: Use row covers to protect the plants from squash bugs and cucumber beetles.
- Natural insect repellent: Spray the plants with natural insect repellent to keep beetles away.
- Organic insecticides: Use organic insecticides like neem oil or insecticidal soap to control pests.
- Crop rotation: Rotate crops to prevent disease buildup and significant infestations.
- Proper spacing: Ensure proper air circulation by spacing plants adequately and avoiding overcrowding, which can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
- Watering techniques: Water plants at the base to prevent moisture on leaves, which can promote disease development.
- Organic fungicides: Apply organic fungicides like copper-based sprays to control fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
- Pollination: Lack of pollination can be an issue. Monitor your plants for both male and female flowers, and consider hand pollination if needed.
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Harvesting
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. The fruits are usually ready in 45 to 70 days, depending on the variety. For example, 'Sunburst' requires 52 days from seedling to harvest, while 'Peter Pan' takes 50 days.
You can store harvested patty pan squash fruits in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also dry unwashed squash and store them for three or four days in an open plastic or paper bag in your crisper drawer at about 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, you can wash, dry, and freeze fresh pattypans, which will last in the freezer for 10 months.
Larger patty pan squash fruits are better for stuffing. Simply scoop out the seeds before filling.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by choosing a site with full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost and plant the seeds about 1 inch deep, with 18-24 inches of space between seeds. If you're planting in rows, space the plants about 10 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows.
Yes, patty pan squash can be grown in a container. Choose a large container with a drainage hole, at least 18 inches wide and deep, and use well-draining soil. Place one or two seeds about 1/2 inch into the soil, cover lightly, and then mulch the top.
If you live in an area with frost, plant your seeds about four weeks after the last frost date. If you live in a frost-free area, make sure the soil temperature is at least 60°F (15.5°C) before planting.
