Patty Pan White

Summer Squash

Zone 2a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Patty Pan White

🌱 50d to harvest Vine

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 18th
Last Frost	May 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 1st
Harvest Begins	Jul 21st
Harvest Ends	Aug 29th

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

Recommended Companions

Moonlight Nasturtium Nasturtium

Peaches and Cream Corn

Dwarf Cherry Rose Jewel Nasturtium

Ladybird Nasturtium Nasturtium

Strawberry Corn Corn

Milkmaid Nasturtium

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.

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.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 12 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Plant on a warm schedule (soil 65–70°F) and harvest small (about 4–6 in) for best tenderness.