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             S S S S S
T T T             T T T
P P               P P P

(Best months for growing Squash in Australia - sub-tropical 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

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.
14 Jan 10, Steph (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi All, Very new at all of this! Planted squash seeds and they need to be replanted into the vegie patch now & wondering if anyone can tell me how far apart to plant them etc? Full sun? Anly help wld be appreciated :)
04 Oct 09, Alison (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We are growing button squash and eggplant for the first time. When growing squash do you need to pinch off the first few buds to encourage fruiting? Any other tips appreciated.
23 Sep 09, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Lyndall, your squash might not be getting properly pollinated. You could try pollination using a small paint brush or similar. A spray of dilute milk can help with the mildew on leaves.
21 Sep 09, Lyndall (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am growing button squash. I have no idea when to pick them, they are only quite small but when the flower dies off, if i dont pick them they die. The only thing is i picked some the other day but they were still a little prickerly? The plants leaves also have some kind of mould would this be the reason why i only have very small squash, before it dies??
11 Nov 12, Kez (Australia - tropical climate)
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.
Showing 31 - 40 of 44 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.