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 70°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 24 - 31 inches apart
  • Harvest in 7-8 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweet corn

Your comments and tips

20 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Male flowers will have a longer, spindly stalk and only produce pollen (the male half of the deal) while female flowers have shorter stems and an undeveloped fruit (the female half of the deal). This fruit will develop into a squash or pumpkin when and if pollinated. Trust this helps.
18 Feb 17, anthony bass (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Guys, I don’t know if this is the right forum for this, but, can some explain to me why a gem squash plant I have has produced so many flowers and yet not one has grown into a squash. I have seen the small squashes grow to about 1cm and then the little stalk starts to dry out and the squash falls off. I have it growing as a vine to keep it off my courtyard floor, is this part of or the problem,
18 Feb 17, kathy (Australia - temperate climate)
you need to pollinate them by hand
18 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Your problem suggests the female (fruiting) flowers have not been pollinated. This could be due to a lack of bees or other pollinating insects. The alternative is to hand pollinate by removing a male flower and its petals and brushing it over the female flower. This can also be done with a small, soft paint brush. Having it growing as a vine wouldn't make a difference, in fact it be beneficial to the plant as it would aid air circulation and reduce the chance of mildew forming. Trust this helps.
04 Dec 16, Mark (Australia - temperate climate)
My wife is Asian and she says it is ok to eat the plant itself. I know you can eat the flowers but I'm not so sure about the plant. Is it toxic or safe to eat?
17 Feb 17, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You can eat pumpkin shoots and they are essentially the same plant, so I would think it's safe enough
18 Nov 16, warren white (Australia - temperate climate)
I've been eating my squash strait off the plant uncooked, thinly sliced on a vegemite sandwich. you really should try this!
11 May 16, KT (Australia - arid climate)
Can I grow spaghetti squash in Perth and where can I get some seeds please?
16 May 16, Bianca (Australia - temperate climate)
Join Share the Seed Australia or WA Seed Exchange on Facebook and ask on there. You will need to get them from someone already in WA because of our quarantine laws :)
04 Jan 16, Elizabeth nowaczek (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Is it possible to find seeds for pattypan squash in Canada? If so from where? Thanks! Have had them while in Australia!
Showing 31 - 40 of 69 comments

Hi The squash is dropping off before it is fully grown. What might be the issue.. Thanks Chau

- Chau

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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.
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