pattypan squashCucurbita pepo var. clypeata

pattypan squash

pattypan squashes

1. Cucurbita pepo var. clypeiformis
2. Cucurbita pepo Patisson Group

1. scallop squash
2. sunburst squash
3. button squash
4. custard marrow

1. white bush scallop

1. patty pan squash

1. NameBischofsmütze

   Languagede

   Shared with

   1. Cucurbita maxima 'Turbaniformis'

   Clarification

   The name is regionally used for both pattypan and turban squash.

1. pattypan squash
2. summer squash
3. scallop squash

1. Tracheophyta
2. Angiospermae
3. Eudicotyledoneae
4. Rosidae
5. Fabidae

Gourd family

1. Zucchini
2. Ölkürbis
3. Spaghettikürbis

1. fruit
2. flowers

The Pattypan squash, often called 'UFO squash', is a fascinating summer squash with a characteristic scalloped shape. It grows in a compact, bushy habit, making it ideal for smaller gardens or large containers. The fruits should be harvested young when the flesh is most tender and the skin is still soft. In the kitchen, it impresses with its versatility – whether stuffed, grilled, or pickled.

1. Tasksowing

   Label

   Seed starting

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   Conditionmin_temp_15c

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Sow in nutrient-rich seed starting mix.

1. Taskplanting

   Label

   Planting out

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionafter_frost

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Maintain spacing as they grow in a bushy habit.

1. Taskharvesting

   Label

   Main harvest

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8
   3. 9

   Conditionfruit_size_reached

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Young fruits have the most tender skin.

Full sun and sheltered from wind

1. Warmth-favored
2. Protection from late frosts

Humus-rich, deep, and loose

Incorporation of mature compost or manure in spring.

Regularly, daily during heatwaves

Avoid waterlogging but never let the soil dry out completely.

Base fertilization with compost, liquid feeding every 2 weeks during fruiting.

Good neighbors include corn, pole beans, and nasturtium. Poor neighbors are other cucurbits (risk of cross-pollination for seed saving).

Due to the risk of soil-borne diseases and high nutrient depletion, a 4-year rotation break should be maintained for all cucurbits.

1. Slugs
2. Sucking insects

1. Powdery mildew
2. Viruses

1. Keep leaves dry during watering.
2. Ensure sufficient spacing for air circulation.
3. Use healthy, certified seeds.

Common confusion: Natural silvery leaf patterns on some varieties are often mistaken for mildew.

1. Slugpowdery-mildew

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Dry and warm weather
   2. Fair-weather fungus

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Stems

   Prevention

   1. Choose resistant varieties
   2. Airy location

   Organic control

   1. Spray a mixture of milk and water (1:8)

1. Symptom

   Leaves become whitish-powdery

   Possible causes

   1. powdery-mildew

   First checks

   1. Can the coating be wiped off?
   2. Is it on the upper side of the leaf?

Distinguish between physiological disorders (e.g., wilting due to lack of water) and infectious diseases.

1. Germination
2. Leaf development (rosette stage)
3. Stem elongation/bush formation
4. Flower formation (male and female flowers)
5. Fruit set
6. Fruit ripening (harvest stage)
7. Full maturity (seed maturity)
8. Senescence

Pattypans develop very quickly as annual, bushy-growing plants, forming the first flowers within a few weeks after planting.

Monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant)

June to September

Large, yellow funnel-shaped flowers; female flowers recognizable by the ovary at the base.

July to October

1. 7
2. 8
3. 9

Approx. 5-10 fruits per plant with regular harvesting.

Check every 2-3 days.

1. Fruits reach 5-10 cm in diameter
2. Skin is still tender and can be pierced with a fingernail
3. Glossy surface

Cut with a sharp knife leaving a short stem. Do not wash if they are intended for storage.

Short-term storage (summer squash)

Lasts about 1 week in the refrigerator or a cool cellar.

1. Pickling in vinegar
2. Freezing (after blanching)
3. Fermenting

1. Pickling
2. Freezing

Mild, subtly nutty flavor; resembles zucchini but with a firmer texture.

1. Stuffing whole and baking
2. Pan-frying in slices
3. Grilling
4. Steaming

1. Flesh
2. Skin (on young fruits)
3. Seeds (on mature fruits)
4. Flowers

1. Stem
2. Roots
3. Leaves (hairy and rough)

Beware of bitter taste: Bitter squashes contain toxic cucurbitacins and must not be eaten. Never grow next to ornamental gourds.

Young fruits can be eaten raw when grated in salads.

Allow fruits to ripen fully until the skin becomes hard. Remove seeds, wash, and dry.

Crosses easily with other Cucurbita pepo varieties (zucchini, styrian oil pumpkin, ornamental gourds).

Manual pollination and taping of flowers necessary for true-to-type seeds.

Pattypan is an annual herbaceous plant; woody characteristics do not apply.

The large flowers are an excellent source of pollen and nectar for bees and bumblebees. Large leaves provide ground cover and habitat for predatory ground beetles.

Start pre-culture on the windowsill from mid-April.

Main time for harvesting and regular watering.

Remove last fruits before the first frost.

Time for planning and selecting new varieties.