Growing & Harvesting Patty Pan Squash

Patty Pan Squash, also called Scallop Squash, is a mild flavored summer squash.  This beautiful squash is small, scalloped and round making it a fun addition to any garden.

YELLOW SCALLOP SQUASH

Scallop Squash usually grows as a bush or semi-bush so these compact plant don't take up as much room in the garden as a winter squash.  From seed to harvest, Patty Pan is ready to harvest in as little as 55 days.

Patty Pan Squash can be grown in containers, a bucket garden, in ground and in raised beds, making it an excellent choice for beginners as well as seasoned gardeners

Preferred Growing Conditions

Vegetables tend to all like the same growing conditions: full sun, and well drained soil full of organic matter. Organic matter contributes to the health of the soil: gives soil nutrients, aerates soil for better root growth, helps soil retain moisture, while at the same times allows soil to drain better.

BENNING'S GREEN TINT SCALLOP SQUASH

SEED PLANTING

We soak squash seeds for 24 hours in filtered water before planting but this step is absolutely optional.

Soil temperature should be about 70 degrees Fahrenheit before you plant your squash seeds.

Plant seeds ½ inches deep and six inches apart. Thin out after seedlings after they emerge, but will need at least two leaves to keep growing. Mature bush summer squash plants should be 20 inches apart in rows that are spaced 2 feet apart.

Seed starting in containers or Seed Starter Pods and then transplanting another option with squash. You can start seeds indoors about four weeks prior to the last frost date. Don’t forget to harden off your seedlings, meaning slowly adjust them to the outdoor climate and sun.

Consider staggering your plantings of summer squash. Planting two to four weeks apart can keep you harvesting summer squash a little longer. Patty Pan is a prolific producer but it never hurts to plant more just in case.

Squash Pests and Diseases

Don’t forget to check summer squash plants for pests often. Squash bugs will set in pretty quickly. They will be your biggest pest problems. Cucumber beetles like summer squash plants, too.

Companion Plants for Squash

Beans, corn, cucumbers, icicle radishes, melon, mint, onions and pumpkin. Helpers: Borage deters worms, improves growth and flavor. Marigolds deters beetle. Nasturtium deters squash bugs and beetles.

Oregano provides general pest protection. Dill may repel the squash bug that will kill your squash vines. Generously scatter the dill leaves on your squash plants. Keep squash away from potatoes.

WHITE SCALLOP SQUASH

Maintaining Your Squash Plants

Consistent watering is key with squash. Mulch helps a lot with maintaining soil moisture. So, put a good layer of mulch down around summer squash plants.

Side dress with compost or fertilize every 4 weeks.

Squash plants produce both male and female flowers.  Usually, male flowers appear first then fall off.  Then, the plant starts to produce both male and female flowers.  Lack of pollinators or lack of pollination can be an issue for some gardeners.

Hand Pollination tip: pick the first male blooms and brush them against the female bloom. This will help increase the output of summer squash.

Healthy Harvest

Patty Pan Squash can be picked when the fruits are about 2 inches in diameter and as large as 4 inches in diameter.  At this stage, they are tender and the skin is still soft.  There is no need to peel or remove the skin before cooking or preparing.

If you happen to grow them larger, they are excellent stuffed

RECIPE: Stuffed Scallop Squash