Patty pan or Pattypan squash is a very popular and tasty summer squash. Patty pan squash is also known as scallop squash or sunburst squash. Gardeners should pick Patty pan when they are still young and tender for the best flavor and texture. This variety of summer squash grows very well in USDA zones 2 to 11. Pattypan squashes are typically 2” to 4” (5 to 10 cm) in diameter and weigh no more than 1 pound (450 grams). Patty pan squash can take around 50 to 60-70 days to maturity from planting. However, counting the days to maturity is not the best way to know when patty pan squash is ready to pick. This article summarizes all the tips you need to know to answer a widespread question among gardeners, how and when to harvest patty pan squash and how to know they are ready to pick. Let’s start and learn all about when to harvest Patty pan squash correctly.
Usually, Patty pan squash is ready to be harvested in late July and August (Northern Hemisphere). If you plant your Patty pan squash a little later, you can harvest them before the first frost.
When to Harvest Patty Pan Squash
When to Harvest Patty Pan Squash? Harvest Pattypan squash when the fruit is 2” (5 cm) in diameter. Patty pan squash will be tender and tasty for eating up to 4” (10 cm) in diameter. If you leave the Patty pan squash on the vine any longer, it will become overgrown (to 7” in diameter), not be as tasty, and have too many seeds. Therefore, that is not the best way to pick patty pan squash.
Patty pan squash typically takes 50 to 60 days to maturity. After 45 days from planting the Patty pan squash plant, watch daily for fruit growth. This way, you will observe the correct time to harvest Pattypan squash and start picking only mature ones.
Each Pattypan squash can weigh up to 1 pound (450 grams). But, if you leave the Patty pan squash on the vine, it will continue to grow (but flavorless), so it is best to harvest Patty pan squash when they are between 2” and 4” (5 to 10 cm) in diameter.
Patty pan squash can be cooked in various ways and make delicious dishes. I love to stuff Patty pan squash with cooked meat.
When To Pick Patty Pan Squash
You will start picking patty pan squash from mid-summer until the end. That is the season to harvest pattypan squashes. If you plant them later, you may pick them up until early fall or the first frost (in the case you have in your area). Frosting conditions will damage patty pan squash. So if you live in an early frost area, don’t plant seeds late.
Patty pan squash typically takes 50 to 60 days to maturity. It’s recommended to check the seed packet instructions (if they were purchased) for the specific days to maturity of the patty pan squash variety you are growing. However, if you don’t know the variety or you started your crop from a nursery seedling, continue reading to learn how you will know when the right time to harvest is approaching.
As they do not all ripen together, you will have to check one by one, and start picking, which can occur as early as day 45, depending on the growing conditions. Therefore, after 45 days from planting, check them daily. This way, you will observe the correct time to pick Pattypan squash. It is best to pick them between 2″ and 4″ (5 to 10 cm) in diameter. The size indicates they may be fully ripened. Suppose you leave them on the vine any longer. In that case, they will become overgrown (more than 4 inches in diameter up to 7 inches), not be as tasty, and have too many seeds. Therefore, understanding when they are ready to pick is vital.
You now understand how to tell when Patty Pan squash is ready to be picked and when to harvest it. Let’s look at some advice for picking patty pan squash.
How to Harvest Pattypan Squash
Now you know when to harvest Patty Pan squash and how to know when it is ready to pick. Let’s see some tips regarding how to harvest Patty Pan Squash.
How to Harvest Patty Pan Squash? Harvesting Pattypan squash is very easy. You only need a sharp knife or pruning shears. Disinfect the tools with alcohol before harvesting the squash.
Note that not all Pattypan squash will ripen simultaneously. Only pick the squash that you see ripe. You can harvest Patty pan squash until shortly before the first frost, so be sure to harvest all Pattypan squash before the frost begins.
When harvesting Pattypan squash, it is essential to use a sharp tool to make a perfect cut on the stem so as not to damage the vine. Leave a 1” to 2” (2.5 to 5 cm) long stem on the Pattypan squash for best preservation.
Patty pan squash plant will produce fruit until frost starts (when the plant dies). Be sure to harvest all Patty pan squash before the first frost.
Store Pattypan Squash
How to Store Pattypan Squash? Pattypan squash is a summer squash that cannot be stored as long as winter squashes have tougher skin. Do not wash Pattypan squash for storage. This will prevent moisture build-up and help them last longer in the refrigerator.
Place Pattypan squash in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer in a perforated plastic bag or paper bag with an open end. This way, you can keep the Pattypan squash in the fridge for up to one week.
Once you are ready to eat your squash, wash it well, you can eat the Pattypan squash with the skin on. There are a variety of dishes to prepare with Pattypan squash.
Final Conclusions Regarding When To Pick Patty Pan Squash
Let’s see a couple of final thoughts about when to harvest patty pan squash and how to know when it is ready to pick.
The season to harvest pattypan squash is from mid-summer until the end.
Harvest Patty pan squash when they are between 2” and 4” (5 to 10 cm) in diameter. To achieve that, gardeners should inspect the pattypan squash plants daily after 45 days of planting. Picking them from the vine should be done precisely when they are ready, preventing overgrown that negatively impacts flavor.
Harvesting Pattypan squash at the right time will provide you with more flavorful and fewer seeds. Pattypan squash plants will produce fruit until the first cold weather sets in and will die with frost.
I hope this article about when to harvest Patty pan squash will be helpful and you will have an excellent harvest.
I recommend our articles about when to harvest zucchini and harvest moon squash.
