With its scalloped, flying saucer-shaped fruits and compact bushy vines, patty pan squash is a fun and tasty summer squash to grow. Also known as sunburst, custard, or scallop squash, patty pans produce prolific yields on small plants that work well even in containers.

Below you’ll find a visual guide to patty pan squash including facts, growing tips, and plenty of photos illustrating key stages of growth Read on for a complete overview of growing these unique summer squashes from seed to harvest

What is Patty Pan Squash?

Patty pan squash, scientifically known as Cucurbita pepo, is a summer squash variety in the Cucurbit family along with zucchini yellow crookneck, and acorn squash.

It’s named for its distinct flattened, disc-like shape resembling an miniature pans. The scalloped edges create a cute fluted shape. Skin color ranges from pale green to bright yellow when ripe.

These squash have tender edible skins and soft flesh. The mild, sweet flavor lends itself well to stuffing, baking, sautéing, and steaming.

Fun fact: patty pan is known as anemone squash in parts of Europe since its shape resembles the flower.

Patty Pan Squash Plant Facts

• Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo

• Family: Cucurbitaceae

• Growing Zones: 2-11

• Best Harvest: Summer

• Height: 12-24 inches

• Spread: 24-48 inches

• Sun needs: Full sun

• Soil needs: Moist, well-draining soil

Selecting Patty Pan Squash Varieties

There are several patty pan varieties to choose from. Here are some top options:

• Sunburst: Pale green skin, scalloped. Compact bushes.

• Bennings Green: Lime green color, scalloped edges. Prolific yields.

• Goldie: Golden yellow mature color, shallow scallops. Great flavor.

• Peter Pan: Cream-colored skin, deep scallops. Very compact vine.

• Starship: Pale green, UFO shape, smooth edges. Disease resistant.

• One Ball: Round shape, bright yellow. Extra early harvest.

For the classic scalloped disc shape, go for Sunburst, Bennings, or Goldie. Starship and One Ball offer fun variations.

How to Plant Patty Pan Squash

When: Plant seeds after danger of frost, when soil reaches at least 60°F.

Where: Grow in full sun (at least 8 hours/day). Prefers fertile, well-draining soil.

Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep in hills/groups of 2-3 seeds. Space hills 18-24 inches apart.

Germination: Seeds sprout in 5-10 days at soil temperatures above 65°F.

It’s easy to start patty pan squash seeds directly in the garden once the weather has warmed in late spring. You can also give seeds a head start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost. Just be sure to harden off seedlings before transplanting.

Patty Pan Squash Seedlings

Once sprouted, patty pan seedlings will first emerge with two rounded cotyledon leaves. The first true leaves will be simple, single leaves. As the vines grow, leaves develop the classic lobed, five-pointed shape associated with squash family plants.

![Patty pan squash seedlings just sprouting][]

Patty pan seedlings with the first true leaves emerging.

Patty Pan Squash Vine Growth

As seedlings grow, trailing vines emerge and lengthen rapidly. These vining stems will spread out in bushy clusters across the garden.

Give vines ample space by thinning to 1-2 plants per hill after a few true leaves develop.![Patty pan squash vines stretching across soil][]

Long vining stems grow out from patty pan squash seedlings.

Yellow Patty Pan Squash Flowers

After 3-4 weeks of growth, bright yellow male and female flowers will bloom. The male flowers grow first on slender stems, while female flowers form at leaf axils on short stubby stems.

Bees play an important role in pollinating squash blooms. Male flowers die off after releasing pollen. Only successfully pollinated female flowers will develop into fruits.![Yellow patty pan squash flower][]

Bright yellow patty pan squash flowers attract pollinators.

Young Patty Pan Fruits

Once female squash flowers are fertilized, the ovary swells into green, immature fruits. It takes just 1-2 weeks for the fruits to develop their signature scalloped shape.

Pick patty pans when small and tender, around 3-4 inches diameter, for the best flavor and texture. The skin will be pale green at this stage.![Tiny young green patty pan squash][]

Small, young patty pan squash just starting to form on vines.

Harvesting Patty Pan Squash

For peak flavor and tenderness, harvest patty pans when fruits are 3-4 inches diameter. Use clippers or a knife to cut the squash from the vine, leaving 1-2 inches of stem attached.

Handle these delicate squash with care to avoid bruising. Store at 45-50°F with good air circulation to maximize shelf life. Wash just before eating.![Harvested yellow patty pan squash][]

Harvest patty pan squash when fruits are 3-4 inches across.

Growing Tips for Healthy Patty Pan Plants

Follow these tips throughout the growing season to keep your patty pan squash vines vigorous and productive:

• Add compost or aged manure to soil before planting to enrich nutrition. Side dress with nitrogen fertilizer when vines begin trailing.
• Use floating row covers at planting to boost warmth. Remove when flowers start blooming so pollinators can access.
• Use mulch like straw around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Water plants consistently, especially when fruits are forming, to prevent hollowness or bitterness.
• Control common squash pests like cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and squash vine borers.
• Harvest fruits young and regularly to promote continual production.
• Sow a new crop every 2-3 weeks for a staggered harvest lasting all summer long.

Enjoy the Fun and Flavor of Patty Pan Squash

With its cute scalloped shape and compact growth habit, patty pan squash is a fun, beginner-friendly plant for summer gardens. Follow this visual guide to get your plants off to a great start. Before you know it, you’ll be harvesting handfuls of these petite, flavorful squashes all season long to enjoy sautéed, steamed, stuffed, or baked.