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            
      T T T T T        
      P P P P          

(Best months for growing Squash in Australia - 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 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

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).
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.
Showing 21 - 30 of 44 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. 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.
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