Pattypan Squash

Pattypan squash is a scallop-type summer squash, a form of Cucurbita pepo. Its fruit is white and saucer-shaped and is picked while still immature. Cucurbita pepo is the original parent of many summer squash, courgette and pumpkin cultivars. Summer squash grows on non-vining bushes, and some varieties have a bush habit that is useful in small gardens.

It is grown as a warm-season annual.

Sow seed directly into the garden after the last chance of frost has passed, and wait until the soil is warm. The soil should be about 60 °F (16 °C) at 4 inches (10 cm) deep before you plant.

Plant the seeds ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep in full sun, with rows about 3 feet (91 cm) apart. When the seedlings have one to two true leaves, thin them, keeping the most vigorous plants, so they stand 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) apart.

The plant grows best at average temperatures between 65 and 75 °F (18 to 24 °C). Squash seeds do not germinate well in cold soil. If you start seeds indoors, use 3-inch (7.6 cm) containers about 3 weeks before planting time.

Water the garden to keep moisture uniform, moistening the soil to a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm). Water deeply and regularly at the base of each plant, especially in hot, dry weather.

Mulch with 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) of material such as grass clippings, pine straw or leaves. Follow a soil test for fertilizer, and avoid too much nitrogen because it encourages excess vine growth and reduces fruit growth.

Blossom-end rot, a dark, dry rot at the blossom end of the fruit, is a common problem. Aphids can transmit viruses to the plants, and squash vine borers can cause total collapse of the plant. Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease on the leaves.

Pollinating insects such as bees and wasps are needed to move pollen to the female flowers. Poor fruit set is common during rainy weather when bees are inactive.

Pick scallop types when they are 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm) in diameter. Another guide says scalloped types are best at 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm) in diameter.

Harvest daily or every other day when conditions are good. Plants typically reach harvest 50 to 65 days from transplant. If the rind is too hard to mark with a thumbnail, the fruit is overmature.

Keep harvested fruit in cool, moist conditions at 32 to 50 °F (0 to 10 °C) for 5 to 14 days. In the refrigerator, store it in a plastic bag for up to 1 week.

Pattypan squash is listed as non-toxic for cats and dogs.