Tillie Doyle
Patty pan squash, also known as scallop squash, is a summer squash variety with a unique flattened or scalloped shape. It is usually planted in the spring, with a possible second planting in the summer. The plant grows quickly, taking 45 to 70 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety. To ensure successful pollination and fruit set, it is important to understand the squash's flowering biology and provide the right environmental conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil | Rich, well-draining |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Planting time | Spring, with a possible second summer planting |
| Soil temperature | At least 65 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Planting method | Direct sow |
| Spacing | 2-3 feet apart, 2-3 seeds per hill; if planting in rows, space plants 10 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows |
| Thinning | Thin to one or two plants per hill once seedlings are 2-3 inches tall |
| Neighbours | Cucumbers, radishes, peas, beans, pumpkins, corn, marigolds, nasturtium flowers |
| Pollination | Open-pollinated (via insects or wind) or hybrid; manual pollination may be necessary |
| Watering | Consistent watering is key; water frequently if planted in pots |
| Mulching | Heavy layer of straw or other organic material |
| Pests | Squash bugs, cucumber beetles |
| Harvest | 45-70 days, depending on variety; pick when colour changes from green to golden yellow, when fruit is 2-4 inches |
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What You'll Learn
Patty pan squash requires pollination for fruit production
Patty pan squash, also known as scallop squash, is a summer squash variety with a unique, flattened, and scalloped flying saucer shape. It is usually planted in the spring, with the possibility of a second summer planting. The plant grows quickly and can be harvested in 45 to 70 days, depending on the variety.
If your patty pan squash plants are in a greenhouse or there is a lack of pollinators, you may need to manually pollinate them. This can be done using Q-tips or a paintbrush to transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers. It is important to allow your plants to be exposed to natural pollinators, such as bees, by avoiding excessive use of insecticides when the blossoms emerge.
Patty pan squash grows best in full sun, in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. They are usually planted in groups, with two to three seeds per hill, spaced 2 to 3 feet apart. The seedlings can then be thinned to one or two plants per hill once they reach a height of 2 to 3 inches. With proper care and pollination, your patty pan squash plants will produce fruit for a bountiful harvest.
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Identify male and female flowers
Patty pan squash plants are monoecious, meaning they produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. After 3-4 weeks of growth, the flowers will bloom, with the male flowers appearing first on slender stems, followed by the female flowers, which form at the leaf axils on short, stubby stems.
The male flowers will then fall off after releasing their pollen. The female flowers will only develop into fruits if they are successfully pollinated. The ovary of the fertilised female flower swells into immature, green fruits, which develop their signature scalloped shape in just 1-2 weeks.
The male flowers can be identified by their slender stems, while the female flowers are on short, stubby stems. The male flowers also die off after releasing their pollen, so any dead flowers can be identified as male.
The female flowers have a small ovary at the base, which will develop into the fruit if the flower is successfully pollinated.
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Pollinate manually with a q-tip or paintbrush
Patty pan squash plants have both male and female flowers, and both need to be present for pollination to occur. Male flowers grow on longer, thinner green stems off to the side of the female blooms, which grow on thicker stems located more in the middle of the plant. If you don't think your patty pan squash plants are getting pollinated naturally, you can manually pollinate them using a q-tip or a paintbrush.
To do this, first identify an open male flower and an open female flower on the plant. Male flowers have a lot of large pollen, whereas female flowers have a large ovum under the flower but no pollen. You can use a q-tip or a paintbrush to collect some pollen from the male flower and spread it onto the female stigma. Each female flower only needs to be pollinated once, and a small amount of pollen will be enough.
Some people prefer to remove the male flower from the plant, peel back its petals, and rub the pollen-covered anther directly onto the female flower's stigma. However, others prefer to leave the flower on the plant for bees or for later pollination.
If you are keeping your squash plants in a greenhouse, manual pollination with a q-tip or paintbrush is recommended, as the pollen granules may be too large for some bee species to carry. Additionally, having multiple plants will increase the chances of pollination, as you are more likely to have both male and female flowers at the same time.
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Leave plants alone for natural pollination by insects
Patty pan squash, also known as scallop squash, is a summer squash variety with a delicate, nutty, and mild flavour. It is usually planted in the spring, with a possible second summer planting. The plant grows quickly, and the first fruit is typically ready within 45 to 70 days, depending on the variety.
Patty pan squash requires full sun and rich, well-drained soil to thrive. It is a prolific producer and will yield several dozen squash each season. To ensure successful pollination and fruit set, it is crucial to understand the role of insects in the process.
Patty pan squash, like most squash varieties, has both male and female flowers. The male flowers are identified by the presence of large pollen sacs, while the female flowers possess a large ovum but lack pollen. For successful pollination and subsequent fruit development, pollen from the male flowers must be transferred to the female flowers.
While some growers manually pollinate their patty pan squash plants using Q-tips or paintbrushes, especially in controlled environments like greenhouses, it is generally recommended to rely on natural pollination by insects. Leaving the plants alone allows bees and other insects to perform their vital role as pollinators.
To encourage natural pollination by insects, avoid excessive use of insecticides, particularly when the plants are in bloom. The presence of flowers is an invitation to pollinators, and the application of insecticides during this critical period may deter or harm the very insects necessary for fruit production. By refraining from overdoing insecticides, you create a welcoming environment for bees and other pollinators.
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Plant with companion plants to attract pollinators
To ensure successful pollination of your patty pan squash, it is important to plant companion plants that attract pollinators. This is because patty pan squash requires pollination to produce fruit. By attracting a diverse range of beneficial insects and pollinators, you can aid in pollination and maintain a healthy garden ecosystem.
Thyme
Thyme is a fantastic companion plant for patty pan squash as it not only deters pests but also attracts pollinators. It prefers similar growing conditions, enhancing biodiversity alongside your squash plants. Thyme can help enrich the ecosystem of your garden by attracting a variety of beneficial insects.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are excellent for attracting beneficial insects, such as pollinators, while also deterring aphids. They thrive in similar soil conditions as patty pan squash, providing excellent ground cover and adding beauty to your garden with their vibrant colours. Nasturtiums create a balanced environment, reducing the risk of pest outbreaks.
Marigolds
Marigolds are a gardener's best friend, especially when it comes to repelling pests like nematodes and aphids. They thrive in the same full sun conditions as patty pan squash and contribute to the aesthetic appeal of your garden. Marigolds also help keep your squash plants healthy by repelling pests that can cause damage.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers make great companion plants for patty pan squash as they share similar water and sunlight requirements, allowing them to coexist harmoniously. Cucumbers also play a role in attracting pollinators, which is beneficial for the overall pollination process in your garden. However, it is important to note that in certain conditions, cucumbers can transmit diseases and compete for resources, so careful consideration is necessary.
Corn
While corn provides shade and acts as a natural trellis for climbing plants, it also shares similar nutrient needs and growing conditions with patty pan squash. This makes corn a great companion plant. By growing corn alongside your squash, you can create a mutually beneficial relationship that supports the growth of both plant species.
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Frequently asked questions
If you notice beautiful flowers but no squash, your plant likely needs pollinating.
The male flowers will have a lot of large pollen, while the female flowers will have a large ovum but no pollen.
You can pollinate your patty pan squash by hand using a paintbrush or a Q-tip.
The best time to pollinate your patty pan squash is within days of flowering.
You will know your patty pan squash has been pollinated when the colour changes from green to golden yellow.
