Growing Squash, also Crookneck, Pattypan, Summer squash

Cucurbita pepo : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                  S    
T                     T

(Best months for growing Squash in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 21°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 60 - 80 cm apart
  • Harvest in 7-8 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweet corn

Your comments and tips

04 Mar 22, Anonymous (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
You are talking about butternut pumpkins aren't you. Best to ask in the pumpkin section not the squash. Go to pumpkin enter your climate zone and then check the planting guide.
21 Sep 22, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Butternuts are considered a squash.
17 Sep 21, Katherine (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Does anyone know where I can buy crookneck squash seeds in NZ?
19 Sep 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try online seed selling companies.
02 Nov 20, LORRAINE (Australia - temperate climate)
I have read article on planting the 3 companion plants together..have planted sweet corn & French runner beans & looking for a suggestion for something climbing for trellis behind Don't particularly like squash..
03 Nov 20, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
My suggestion is plant them in separate areas, all three that is. I have just harvested a block of corn, there is no way I could have planted climbing beans amongst them. You would have to thin out the corn planting therefore effecting the pollination ability of the corn. Do you want small thin cobs of corn. I feel you would end up with a poor crop of each vegetable. Corn needs fertilising, beans don't need much, conflict.
02 Oct 20, Mrs W (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am growing squash at the moment, but flowers grow then bud ( squash) grow then fall off when really tiny. First year this has happened. Grew plenty last year. Is it the extra heat we are having here in QLD? Is it because they are now growing on trellis? Last year just left on the garden bed similar to pumpkin.
04 Oct 20, Bruce (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, The unpollinated will fall off when small. Maybe increase your flower plants around them to encourage bees or do a little pollinating yourself with a cotton bud. Hope this helps
14 Sep 20, David Robson (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Advice of growing Japanese squash
15 Sep 20, Anon (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I suggest you read as much as you can. That will give you clues when to plant and harvest.
Showing 11 - 20 of 69 comments

had some squash plants spring up in my garden (from compost maybe) plants grew beautifully had several male flowers but only a few female ones and never. is there any thing I need to do to get the plants to bear fruit

- Monette

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.