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

17 Jan 16, Amanda (Canada - Zone 8a Mild Temperate climate)
I ordered mine online from West Coast Seeds. If you live on the west coast you can also find them in many stores.
20 Oct 15, Chau (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi The squash is dropping off before it is fully grown. What might be the issue.. Thanks Chau
24 Oct 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
The fruit comes from the female flower and it needs to be pollinated by a male flower (much like people) for it to develop into a fruit that is then able to produce seeds and reproduce a new plant. check google for male/female flowers on squash, same applies for pumpkin, zucchini and cucumbers etc. early in the season the plant may not have both sets of flowers but as the plant develops it will. you can also hand pollinate. hope that helps.
10 Aug 15, barry hughes (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
what varieties of squash can be planted now in the brisbane region?
24 Jan 14, anthonecia (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Can I grow pattypan in febuary thank you
16 Jun 12, Monette (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
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
18 Jun 12, Erin (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Some squash need to be hand polinated, just google "hand pollinating squash." There are youtube vids that would explain better than I could in text alone. It's pretty easy, and it has worked for me.
13 Apr 12, Masha (Australia - temperate climate)
I chucked some seeds out in the backyard from a squash I'd bought, and about 3 months later the plant suddenly appeared. Now, another month orso later, it has some fruits on it and lots of flowers! Strange thing is, I never water my garden, and when I did start watering it (watermelons had also suddenly appeared out of nowhere) it nearly died :(
01 Jan 12, Robyn (Australia - tropical climate)
I have planted squash and they have been flowering well but when the flowers are finished the whole thing is falling off the stem including the bulb, almost like the stem is not strong enough for the flower. Some input would be much appreciated
04 Mar 12, Leigh (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It's probably because you haven't got bees pollinating them for you. If that's the case, just take one of the "male" flowers (the ones on stalks - and a single stem inside the flower), peel the petals off the male flower to make it easier to get into the "female" flowers and rub the pollen onto the "female" flowers (the ones with the fruit under them - and the curled shaped stamens).
Showing 41 - 50 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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