Patty Pan White

Family: Cucurbitaceae Vegetable

Silken and luminous, Patty Pan White brings a clean, creamy-white glow to the garden—tender, mild, and delicately sweet at peak size.

The flesh is fine-grained and buttery-soft, with a shallow, scalloped form that roasts to a golden edge while staying pleasantly tender for fresh use. Grow it for quick, satisfying harvests and versatile summer preparations—sautéed, stuffed, or pickled for bright, crisp bites.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Vine

Botanical illustration of Patty Pan White

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 18th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 2nd
Harvest Begins	Jun 21st
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	12

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Patty Pan White stays tender and creamy at peak, so it doesn’t need heavy-handed seasoning to taste “right.” Roast or sauté it until the edges bronze and you’ll get a soft, buttery bite that pairs cleanly with lemony brightness and salty dairy.

Best Uses

quick sauté in hot fat for caramel-kissed edges
roast whole or halved until just tender, letting the scallops brown
stuff and bake—easy-to-fill rounds that stay delicate
quick pickle for crisp, tangy snacking

Flavor Profile

mild, delicately sweet fine-grained and tender buttery-soft flesh with a clean, vegetal finish roasts to a golden edge without going dry

Kitchen Pairings

brown butter lemon zest garlic fresh herbs like thyme or dill parmesan ricotta

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Cucurbita pepo (patty pan squash), and how do I control it?

Watch for squash vine borers: adults lay eggs on the stems and larvae bore inside, causing sudden wilting. Cut and remove infested sections of stem below the damaged area, then re-cover the healthy stem base with soil to encourage new roots. To prevent recurrence, wrap stems with protective horticultural barrier at the first signs of adult activity and keep weeds down around the plants.

How often should I water Cucurbita pepo during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruit set, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, increasing during hot spells. Water at the base early in the day so leaves stay dry, and let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly between waterings to avoid root stress and fungal issues.

How can I tell when patty pan (Cucurbita pepo) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are tender and fully formed, typically around 50 days, usually about 4–6 inches across with crisp edges. The skin should be easy to puncture with a fingernail and the stem should be cut cleanly with a sharp knife or pruners. For best eating, pick frequently—overgrown patty pans become tougher and less flavorful.