Cucurbita pepo 'Patty Pan'

squash 'Patty Pan'
A compact, summer squash cultivar growing to 60cm (2ft) high and 90cm (3ft) across, producing flattened, round squashes reminiscent of flying saucers, in white, yellow or green depending on variety. They have an excellent, nutty flavour and are best harvested at approximately 5-7cm (2-3in) in diameter, when they are very tender. The plant's compact habit makes it suitable for growing in containers on the patio, where border space is limited. The bright yellow flowers are attractive to pollinating insects and can also be picked and used in cooking.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Green | Green White Yellow | |
Autumn | Yellow | Green | Green White Yellow | |
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
A small genus of climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous fruits. Several edible species are cultivated for food and other uses. Native to Central and South America. Solitary, star-shaped flowers are usually golden-yellow. Leaves are palmately lobed, covered with tiny, prickly hairs
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moisture retentive but well drained, acidic to neutral soil in full sun. Sow indoors March to May in good quality seed compost. Sow the seeds on their side 1cm deep and maintain a constant temperature of 18-21C. Feed regularly with a high potassium fertiliser when the first fruits start to swell. See cucurbit cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews
Love gardening
Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more
View our Privacy Policy
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.