Patty pan or Pattypan squash is very popular and tasty summer squash. 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). Learn all about when to harvest Pattypan squash correctly.
Normally, Pattypan squash is ready to be harvested in late July and August (Northern Hemisphere). If you plant your Pattypan squash a little later you will be able to harvest them before the first frost.
When to Harvest Pattypan Squash
When to Harvest Pattypan Squash? Pattypan squash can be harvested when the fruit is 2” (5 cm) in diameter. Pattypan squash will be tender and tasty for eating up to 4” (10 cm) in diameter. If you leave the Pattypan squash on the vine any longer it will overgrow, not be as tasty, and have too many seeds.
Pattypan squash normally takes 50 to 60 days to mature. After 45 days after planting the Pattypan squash plant watch daily for fruit growth. In this way, you will observe the correct time to harvest Pattypan squash.
Each Pattypan squash can weigh up to 1 pound (450 grams). Also, if you leave the Pattypan squash on the vine it will continue to grow to 7” (18 cm) in diameter but will not be as flavorful and will have many seeds, so it is best to harvest Pattypan squash when they are between 2” and 4” (5 to 10 cm) in diameter.
Pattypan squash can be cooked in a variety of ways and make very tasty dishes. I love to stuff Pattypan squash with cooked meat.
How to Harvest Pattypan Squash
How to Harvest Pattypan 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 at the same time, only harvest the squash that you see ripe. You can harvest Pattypan squash until shortly before the first frost, so be sure to harvest all Pattypan squash before the frost begins.
It is important when harvesting Pattypan squash 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.
Pattypan squash plant will produce fruit until frost starts when the plant will die. Be sure to harvest all Pattypan squash before the first frost.
- The Early White Scallop Bush Squash Squash is one of the best white summer squashes to grow. Delicious and Endless Possibilities for meal planning! Non Gmo. 50-60 day Harvest. Bush Plant, (White Pattypan Squash), Latin Name: Cucurbita Pepo
- Early White Scallop Bush Squash, aka White Pattypan Squash. Bush squash that produce good yields of scallop-shaped white fruits. Creamy texture that has a mild flavorful taste! Pick at 4-6" in diameter for tender skin and flesh.
- Plant the seedlings in very rich soil 8-10' apart in rows 10-12' apart. Another option is to plant the seedlings in hills of two, 8-10' apart. To direct sow, plant the seeds when the soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees F. Plant them 1/2" deep, 3-4' apart and thin to 8-10' apart.
How to Store Pattypan Squash
How to Store Pattypan Squash? Pattypan squash is a summer squash and cannot be stored as long as winter squashes, which 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 crisper drawer of the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag or paper bag with an open end. This way, you can keep the Pattypan squash in the refrigerator 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
Pattypan squash can be harvested when they are between 2” and 4” (5 to 10 cm) in diameter. 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 Pattypan squash will be useful, and you will have an excellent harvest. I recommend our articles about when to harvest zucchini and harvest moon squash.
