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              
      P P              

(Best months for growing Squash in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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

23 Apr 20, Robyn Bartlett (Australia - tropical climate)
How do you know when to harvest patty pan squash? I have lots of small squash, some vibrant yellow, and other still pale. Some small ones are starting to just fall off and flowers on others are dying. Help please! It looked like this was going to be a bumper crop!!
24 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Most squash are picked when they are small. Look up the internet and have a look. If you like small ones about 40mm and up to 50-60mm for larger. If they are not pollinated they will just shrivel up and die. Read up about pollination.
04 Mar 19, Dave (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi, I planted Baby squash last season and they all produced beautiful flowers which then dropped off and no fruit was ever produced. I still have 1 plant growing profusely but it is also dropping its flowers and not producing fruit. I have a raised garden bed which consists of Culterra's professional potting soil mixed with last years winter leaves to which I add lawn cuttings from time to time. The raised bed drains well but faces west with full sun from 10h00 till 17h00. To protect the veggies from the hot afternoon sun I have shade netting covering the raised bed. All my various other veggies and herbs have done extremely well. I tend to water every 3rd day or so when no rain is about. I reside in Pretoria. I am also careful with which veggies I plant together. I also follow the principle of planting Marigolds and Basil in with the veggies. I keep peas, beans and cucumbers well away from onions. I grow potatoes but again well away from the raised bed. Any idea what is up with the baby squash? Your assistance will be appreciated.
12 Nov 19, Another gardener (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Probably not being pollinated. Do it by hand. e g 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).
15 Apr 18, Zenobia Strijdom (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I recently purchased gem squash seeds. I live in Townsville and was just wondering when would be a good time to plant them?
16 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - tropical climate)
Seeing they are a squash I would presume you follow the guidelines for them. You are tropical zone and it says plant from April to Sept. Generally wait until the heavy summer rain season has eased off. I good idea is to look up when to grow something before buying the seeds / seedlings.
15 Apr 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
If you follow the planting guide for zucchini/courgette for your zone, you should be successful
10 Feb 18, Bernadette (Australia - temperate climate)
Will Table Queen Acorn squash grow in the Riverina? If so, what time planting? TIA
12 Feb 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
If you looked at your zone here - probably Temperate it says plant seeds Sept and transplant Nov Dec. Take the time to learn how to use this website.
20 Feb 17, anthony bass (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
my next question is how does one determine the male and female of the flowers?
Showing 21 - 30 of 69 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Squash

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 Gardenate 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 Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | 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. Gardenate 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.