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
  • Mother Hubbard squash
  • Pattypan squash

Start in individual pots then transfer when all risk of frost is past. For succession, later plantings can be straight into the ground. Fast maturing squash varieties for summer growing. Not suitable to store like pumpkins. Usually grown to pick when young and used without removing rind or seeds.

Zucchini/courgette (see under Z) is also a variety of squash

Protect from frost. Water well. Grow on well mulched, raised area. Shelter from strong winds.

A spray with a 5 gm/teasp Bicarbonate of Soda in 600 ml/pint of water will help slow powdery mildew when it appears.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Squash

Use whole or sliced. Steam or fry.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
14 Sep 20, David Robson (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Advice of growing Japanese squash
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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.
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17 Sep 21, Katherine (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Does anyone know where I can buy crookneck squash seeds in NZ?
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19 Sep 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try online seed selling companies.
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See comments for all plants

If the squash die off after the flower closes/dies - this means the flower was not fertilised with pollen from a male flower. I would suggest you carefull pick a male flower (has a single, pointed centre) ensuring you don't shake it so much the pollen drops off, break off the petals surrounding it, & smear it in the crinkly looking centre of the female flowers. Plants can have male & female flowers on them. Re the mould - usually if badly effected the best thing is to pull it out & dispose of in bin. Maybe cutting some leaves off will help it to dry out & stop it spreading due to overcrowding. I have removed lots of leaves on my plants, so they put their efforts into growing the fruits rather than lots of big leaves.

- Kez

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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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