The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Pattypan squash is an annual vegetable in the cucumber family.
The leaves look like other squash leaves, lobed and somewhat abrasive.
Like other summer squash, pattypans are usually planted in the spring with a possible second summer planting.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
It is best to direct sow the squash in the garden.
Selecting a Planting Site
Squash is often planted in hills or clusters.
Choose a site with full sun and rich, well-draining soil.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
The flowers help to repel garden pests.
If planting in rows, space plants around 10 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows.
This spacing will give your plants plenty of room to grow and space for air circulation between them.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Pattypan squash is a bush variety, not vining.
It is fairly sturdy and won’t need support.
Soil
Pattypan squash thrives in rich, well-drained soil.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Although it will grow in most good soils, it prefers a slightly acidic pH of 6.1 to 6.5.
If they experience too much drought, pattypans drop their flowers and fruits.
Mulching helps keep the shallow root system cool and moist.
Straw is great to use as amulchto keep the fruits dry and clean, but any mulch will do.
Temperature and Humidity
Summer squash grows best at temperatures from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even more critical is that soil temperature has reached at least 65 degrees before planting.
Pollination
Male blooms carry pollen that needs to reach the female blooms.
you’ve got the option to help pollinateby transferring pollen from male flowers to female flowers.
Having multiple plants will increase the chance of pollination.
Pattypan squash has less inner moisture content than zucchini but tastes likezucchini.
Older pattypan squash’s skin is sometimes too tough, while zucchini’s skin is always tender.
There is no need to peel young pattypan squash.
Eat them when their skin is soft and thin.
Each squash weighs less than 1 pound.
Check your summer squash daily, as they can reach harvest size within four days of flowering.
It’s advisable to wear gloves when harvesting.
How to Eat Pattypan Squash
Kids may be enticed to try pattypans because of their fun shape.
you’re free to also roast pattypans.
They will cook more evenly if you slice them in half.
Coat them with olive oil or butter and season to taste.
you’re free to also directly sow the seeds in the garden or container in well-drained soil.
They will germinate and grow quickly.
Pattypan squash is not vining; it grows on a bush.
It does not require support or a trellis but can grow better vertically when using a trellis or cage.
