What are the sun requirements for Cucurbita pepo 'Pattypan'?

Cucurbita pepo 'Pattypan' requires Full Sun.

How much water does Cucurbita pepo 'Pattypan' need?

Cucurbita pepo 'Pattypan' has Medium water needs.

Vegetables

Cucurbita pepo 'Pattypan'

Pattypan Squash

Cucurbitaceae

Open-pollinated; the species C. pepo is native to North America (Mexico and southeastern US)

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitSpreading

FoliageDeciduous

Height12-24 inches (30-60 cm)

Width36-72 inches (90-180 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Cucurbita pepo 'Pattypan' is pattypan squash (scallop squash), a spreading bush-type annual growing 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and 36-72 inches (90-180 cm) wide. Flattened disc-shaped (scallop-edged) summer squash 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) diameter at harvest — the scalloped edge is the cultivar's defining shape. Fruit color varies by strain: white, yellow, or green. Bright yellow funnel-shaped flowers 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) — separate male and female on the same plant (monoecious). Dark green large palmate foliage with coarse bristly hairs. In the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). Summer squash — harvest immature when skin is tender (2-4 inches / 5-10 cm). Requires bee pollination — poor pollination causes misshapen fruit. Squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae) and powdery mildew are primary pests/diseases. The large spreading habit requires 36-72 inches (90-180 cm) of space — a limitation for small gardens. Open-pollinated — cross-pollinates with other C. pepo. Direct-sow or start indoors 2 weeks early. Non-toxic (edible crop — flowers also edible). Tender annual. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Open-pollinated. The species C. pepo is native to North America (Mexico and southeastern US).

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and large containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L). Summer squash — harvest young. Flowers edible. Open-pollinated. Requires space. Non-toxic. Tender annual.

How to Identify

Identified by flattened disc-shaped summer squash with scalloped (pie-crust) edges on a spreading bush plant with large dark green palmate leaves. The scallop-edged disc shape distinguishes pattypan from cylindrical zucchini and round eight-ball squash. In Cucurbitaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'

Width/Spread3' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Summer Fall

Summer to fall (June-September). Bright yellow funnel-shaped flowers 3-4 inches (7-10 cm). Monoecious: separate male and female flowers. Bee-pollinated. Fruit 50-65 days from direct sow.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow, funnel-shaped, 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) diameter; separate male and female flowers on the same plant (monoecious)

Foliage Description

Dark green, large palmate, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) wide, with coarse bristly hairs

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

50-65 days from direct sow

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0. Direct-sow or start 2 weeks indoors. Space 36 inches (90 cm). Pick every 2-3 days at 2-4 inches (5-10 cm). Requires bee pollination. Squash vine borer and powdery mildew. Open-pollinated — cross-pollinates with other C. pepo. Non-toxic. Tender annual.

Pruning

No pruning needed. Harvest every 2-3 days at 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) — fruit past 4 inches (10 cm) becomes tough. Remove any mildew-infected leaves. Remove spent vines after frost.