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

30 Dec 11, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I'm growing mixed button squash for the first time. They plants look quite hearty and flowering but the flower only stays open for a day and then closes. When should I start to see the fruit form? Thanks in advance.
17 Sep 11, (Australia - temperate climate)
Have just subscibed and have found the information very helpful regarding squash. Thanks. Jeff from Portland Australia
09 Jun 11, Katie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I have bought 2 spaghetti squash and have them in pots which are about 35cm across with a rich organic potting mix. Wondering if I should stake them, or train them up the fence or let them sprawl out onto the ground as I imagine their going to be heavy? Thanks Katie
27 Aug 11, Georgi (Australia - tropical climate)
How did they end up?
16 Dec 10, Domded (Australia - temperate climate)
Can anybody please tell me where I can get seeds for crookneck squash, it looks like a yellow zucchini with pimples. Secondly, i have had/kept the seeds in the past, but they seem to bastardise.
31 Jan 11, Mark (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Eden Seeds on the Gold Coast hinterland sells it
12 Jan 11, Sam (Australia - temperate climate)
There are a number of vendors. Try a Google search for online sellers, there are at least three based in Australia. Rugosa Friulana is an Italian heirloom crookneck.
26 Mar 10, Sarah (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Heidi, I'm in Canberra and planted some spaghetti squash seeds in pots about 4 weeks ago. I had no idea when they should be planted or even if they'd grow! Anyway, they have come up really well and are definitely ready to put in the ground. Having now looked at this site, I realise I'll now have to make sure they're protected from frost. Fingers crossed!
17 Feb 10, Heidi (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have some spaghetti squash seeds - would they be right to plant now?
27 Jan 10, Jonathan (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Steph, they need full sun, rich soil (dig in chicken pellets or other compost) and lots of space. I've got a couple of plants at the moment that were planted from seed around 10 weeks ago and the plants are around 5ft across. Less rich soils will probably produce a smaller plant. Keep them well watered and liquid fertilise at least once a week and you should have loads to go round! Pick when the fruit are around 5cm across.
Showing 51 - 60 of 69 comments

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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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