Plant Profile

pattypan squashCucurbita pepo var. clypeata

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.

pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo var. clypeata): plant portrait - Cucurbits, Gourd family, Harvest July - October
pattypan squash: plant portrait. harvest: July - October.

Quick profile

Key data

Growing calendar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Indoor sowing
Direct sowing outdoors
Planting outdoors
Harvest
Pruning
Indoor sowingDirect sowing outdoorsPlanting outdoorsHarvestPruning

Good neighbors

CornPole beanNasturtium

Avoid

Cucumber

Indoor & direct sowing

pattypan squash: Sowing and germination

Indoor sowing

Indoor pre-culture in pots shortens time to harvest and protects against slugs.

Direct sowing outdoors

Direct sowing only after the last frost once soil has warmed up.

Seed depth2 - 3 cm
Germination temp18 - 25 °C
Germination time7 - 14 days
Light germinatorNo
Dark germinatorYes
Cold germinatorNo
Stratification neededNo
Pre-soaking recommendedYes

Planting & site

pattypan squash: Planting and spacing

Planting outdoors

Transplant after the last frost; handle the root ball with care.

Plant spacing80 - 100 cm
Row spacing100 - 120 cm
Plants per m²1 - 1.2 per m²
Bed widthfrom 100 cm

Site & practical notes

Temperature & frost

pattypan squash: Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom 12 °C
Optimal temperature20 - 28 °C
Max. heatup to 35 °C
Soil temperature15 - 20 °C
Frost sensitiveYes
Late frost sensitiveYes
Heat tolerancehigh
Cold tolerancevery low

Water & nutrients

pattypan squash: Water, nutrients and care

Waterhigh
Critical water phasesFlowering, Fruit set
Watering methodWater only at the base
Droughthigh
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needheavy feeder
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container & growth

pattypan squash: Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes
Pot sizeVolume: from 20 l; Recommended: from 40 l; Diameter: from 40 cm; Depth: from 30 cm
SupportNo
Height40 - 60 cm
Width80 - 120 cm
Root depth30 - 50 cm
Root spread40 - 60 cm
Yield2 - 5 kg

Year plan

pattypan squash Calendar

Plants

In midsummer, you can discover new little 'UFOs' almost every day.

Year overview
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Indoor sowing
Direct sowing outdoors
Planting outdoors
Harvest
Pruning

Recurring tasks

Yield optimization and plant healthJuly - September
Regular cleaning prevents diseases and extends the harvesting period.

Relevant now

June

  • No additional single task

Next up

July

  • No additional single task

Monthly tasks

Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.

Direct sowingPlanting

January

Quiet month

February

Quiet month

March

Quiet month

April

Indoor pre-culture

Direct sowing

  • Indoor pre-cultureindoor: Sow one seed per pot (approx. 8-10 cm) deep.

May

Planting out

Planting

  • Planting outHardening off plants before transplanting is recommended.

June

No additional single task

July

No additional single task

August

No additional single task

September

No additional single task

October

No additional single task

November

Quiet month

December

Quiet month

Flowering & pollination

pattypan squash Flowering & pollination

Flowering period

June to September

Flower type

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

Self-fertility

self-fertile

Pollinator needed

yes

Overview

Pollination is carried out by insects, primarily bees and bumblebees.

Notes

Hand pollination can be helpful if insect activity is low or for controlled seed saving (under isolation).

Pruning & care

pattypan squash Pruning & care

Pruning type

bush_management

Pruning timing

Summer

Yield optimization and plant health Regular cleaning prevents diseases and extends the harvesting period.

Remove

Preserve

Avoid

Tools and hygiene

Use sharp knives; disinfect after contact with mildew-infected plant parts.

Companion guide

pattypan squash Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

CornPole beanNasturtium

Avoid

Cucumber

Use & storage

pattypan squash Use & storage

Harvest

Harvest fruits young (5-10 cm diameter) for the best flavor.

Storage

Short-term storage (summer squash)

Storage life

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

Harvest

Harvest fruits young (5-10 cm diameter) for the best flavor.

Processing

After harvest

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

Edibility & safety

pattypan squash Edibility & safety

For people

In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.

Edible parts:Flesh, Skin (on young fruits), Seeds (on mature fruits), Flowers
Caution parts:Stem, Roots, Leaves (hairy and rough)
Raw consumption:Young fruits can be eaten raw when grated in salads.

Safety notes

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

Animal safety

This plant is not simply safe or unsafe for animals. 14 animal types have restrictions, so quantity, access, and plant part matter.

Animal safety by plant part

Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.

Companion animals

Dog icon for animal safety ratingDog

Flesh, Skin (on young fruits)

Stem, Roots, Leaves

Risk factors

Ingestion of bitter-tasting fruits (due to cucurbitacins), Ingestion of non-fruit plant parts (leaves, stems)

Symptoms

Vomiting, Gastrointestinal upset

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Pattypan squash (flesh, young skin, seeds, flowers) is generally considered non-toxic to dogs and can be offered in moderation as a treat. However, consumption of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Bitter-tasting fruits contain toxic cucurbitacins and must not be eaten. Leaves, stems, and roots should also be avoided.

Open animal page
Cat icon for animal safety ratingCat

Flesh (non-bitter), Skin (on young, non-bitter fruits)

Stem, Roots, Leaves

Risk factors

Ingestion of bitter-tasting fruits or plant parts, Ingestion of leaves or stems

Symptoms

Vomiting, Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Pattypan squash is safe for cats in moderation as a treat, provided only the non-bitter flesh and skin (of young fruits) are offered. Bitter-tasting squashes contain toxic cucurbitacins, which can cause gastrointestinal distress. Leaves, stems, and roots should not be consumed.

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Rabbit icon for animal safety ratingRabbit

Fruit flesh, Skin (on young fruits)

Leaves, Stems, Roots

Risk factors

Access to leaves, stems, or roots, Consumption of bitter-tasting fruits, Overconsumption of fruit

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea), Abdominal pain, Lethargy

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Pattypan squash fruit can be offered in very small quantities as an occasional treat. Leaves, stems, and roots should not be fed. Special caution is advised for bitter-tasting fruits, as they may contain toxic cucurbitacins which can cause severe gastrointestinal issues. Never grow next to ornamental gourds to avoid cross-contamination.

Open animal page
Guinea pig icon for animal safety ratingGuinea pig

Flesh (non-bitter), Skin (young, non-bitter)

Stem, Roots, Leaves

Risk factors

Consumption of bitter-tasting fruits, Consumption of leaves, stems, or roots, Growing near ornamental gourds (cross-contamination possible)

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting (rare in guinea pigs)

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Pattypan squash (flesh, young skin, seeds, flowers) can be offered in small amounts as an occasional treat for guinea pigs, provided it does not taste bitter. Bitter squashes contain cucurbitacins, which are toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal upset. Leaves, stems, and roots are not suitable and should not be fed. Always perform a taste test before feeding squash.

Open animal page
Hamster icon for animal safety ratingHamster

Flesh (well-cooked or raw, in small amounts)

Leaves, Stem, Roots

Risk factors

Consumption of bitter fruits, Consumption of leaves, stem, or roots, Overconsumption

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), Lethargy, Loss of appetite

observe

Pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo var. clypeata) is generally not toxic to hamsters, but consumption should be limited to small amounts of the flesh. Bitter fruits or other plant parts can cause gastrointestinal upset. It is important to ensure that offered fruits are not bitter and that no other plant parts are consumed. Seeds can have a laxative effect in large quantities.

Open animal page
Budgie icon for animal safety ratingBudgie

Flesh, Squash seeds (cooked/dried)

Leaves, Stems, Roots

Risk factors

Consumption of bitter fruits, Consumption of leaves or stems, Excessive consumption of flesh

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (if bitter fruits or large quantities are consumed)

observe

Pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo var. clypeata) is an edible variety of squash. The flesh of young fruits is generally safe and can be offered in small amounts as a treat. Bitter fruits or other plant parts may contain cucurbitacins, which are toxic. It is important to offer only ripe, non-bitter fruits and to do so in moderation. Caution is advised as birds can be more sensitive to certain compounds.

Open animal page

Farm animals

Horse icon for animal safety ratingHorse

Flesh (in moderation), Seeds (in moderation)

Leaves, Stems, Roots

Risk factors

Consumption of leaves, stems, or roots, Excessive consumption of fruits, Consumption of bitter or less ripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive consumption or consumption of leaves/stems/roots), Colic (rare, with very large quantities)

observe

Pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo var. clypeata) is generally safe for horses when fruits are fed in moderation. Leaves, stems, and roots should be avoided as they may contain cucurbitacins which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Bitter or unripe fruits can also be problematic.

Open animal page
Chicken icon for animal safety ratingChicken

Flesh, Skin (on young fruits)

Stem, Roots, Leaves

Risk factors

Consumption of bitter varieties, Consumption of leaves, stems, or roots, Excessive consumption of flesh

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive consumption or consumption of bitter varieties)

observe

Pattypan squash is generally safe for chickens when flesh and young skin are fed in moderation. Bitter varieties or other plant parts should be avoided. Excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Duck icon for animal safety ratingDuck

Flesh (young), Seeds (mature)

Leaves, Stem, Roots

Risk factors

Consumption of bitter fruits, Consumption of leaves, stem, or roots, Overconsumption

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (if bitter fruits or large quantities are consumed)

observe

Pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo var. clypeata) fruit is safe in moderation for ducks, especially young fruits and mature seeds. Bitter fruits, leaves, stem, and roots should be avoided as they may contain cucurbitacins which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Classification as 'safe_in_moderation' is based on general safety of squash fruits for poultry and distinction between edible and potentially harmful plant…

Open animal page
Goose icon for animal safety ratingGoose

Flesh (young), Seeds (ripe)

Leaves, Stems, Roots

Risk factors

Consumption of bitter fruits, Overconsumption

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (if bitter fruits are consumed or in excess)

observe

Geese can consume the flesh of pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo var. clypeata) in moderation, especially when young. Bitter fruits, leaves, stems, and roots should be avoided as they may contain cucurbitacins. Overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page
Sheep icon for animal safety ratingSheep

Flesh (young fruits), Seeds (mature fruits)

Leaves, Stem, Roots

Risk factors

Consumption of bitter or unripe fruits, Consumption of leaves, stem, or roots

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (if bitter or unripe fruits are consumed)

observe

Pattypan squash is generally safe for sheep when only the mature fruits or the flesh of young fruits are fed in moderation. Bitter or unripe fruits, as well as leaves, stem, and roots, should be avoided as they may contain cucurbitacins which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Feeding should be limited to young fruits or mature seeds.

Open animal page
Goat icon for animal safety ratingGoat

Flesh, Skin (on young fruits)

Stem, Roots, Leaves (hairy and rough)

Risk factors

Consumption of bitter fruits or other non-recommended plant parts, Overconsumption

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (if bitter parts or excessive amounts are consumed)

observe

Pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo var. clypeata) is an edible squash variety. The fruit is generally safe for goats when not bitter and fed in moderation. Bitter fruits contain cucurbitacins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Non-recommended parts like leaves and stems should be avoided.

Open animal page
Cattle icon for animal safety ratingCattle

Flesh, Skin (on young fruits)

Stem, Roots, Leaves (hairy and rough)

Risk factors

Consumption of bitter fruits, Consumption of large quantities, Consumption of leaves, stems, or roots

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (if large quantities or bitter fruits are consumed)

observe

Pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo var. clypeata) is a cultivated variety of the common gourd. The fruit is generally safe for cattle, especially young fruits with edible skin. However, bitter fruits or consumption of leaves, stems, and roots can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Seeds from mature fruits can be consumed in small amounts, but large quantities should be avoided. The classification is based on the general…

Open animal page
Pig icon for animal safety ratingPig

Flesh (young), Seeds (mature)

Leaves, Stem, Roots

Risk factors

Consumption of bitter fruits, Consumption of leaves, stem, or roots, Overconsumption

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (if bitter fruits or large quantities are consumed)

observe

Pattypan squash is generally safe for pigs when only mature fruits or the flesh of young fruits are fed in moderation. Bitter fruits, leaves, stem, and roots should be avoided. Overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Open animal page

These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

Max risk

unknown

Highest status

selected parts only

Urgency

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Saving seed

pattypan squash Saving seed

Seed viability

4 - 6 years

Practical tips

pattypan squash Practical tips

Common beginner mistakes

Success pattern

Generous compost application at planting leads to explosive growth starting in June.

High-impact tips

Mulching with straw keeps fruits clean and soil moist.

Grower observations

Yellow varieties are often easier to spot in the garden bed than white or green ones.

Plant Profile

Additional plant images

pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo var. clypeata): whole plant for plant portrait - Cucurbits, Gourd family, Harvest July
pattypan squash: plant portrait. harvest: July - October.

Health

Pests, Diseases

Pests

Slugs

Holes in young plants and small fruits.

Aphids

Curled leaves, honeydew.

Diseases

Powdery mildew

White, powdery coating on the upper leaf surface.

Downy mildew

Yellow spots on the upper leaf surface, grey fungal growth underneath.

Deficiencies

Nitrogen deficiency

Yellowing of older leaves, stunted growth.

Plant health

Diagnosis help

pattypan squash Diagnosis help

Pest groups

Disease groups

Prevention

Diagnosis

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

Cultural prevention

Monitoring

Weekly inspection of leaf undersides

First response

Dispose of infested leaves in household waste

Diagnostic rules

Leaves become whitish-powdery

Possible causes: Powdery mildew

  • Can the coating be wiped off?
  • Is it on the upper side of the leaf?

FAQ

Do you need to peel pattypan squash?

No, for young fruits (up to approx. 10 cm), the skin is very tender and edible. The skin only becomes hard in very large, fully ripe fruits.

Why are the small fruits falling off?

This is usually due to lack of pollination or extreme stress (drought, cold). Attract more insects or try hand pollination.

Is pattypan squash safe for Dog?

pattypan squash is classified as selected parts only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. Pattypan squash (flesh, young skin, seeds, flowers) is generally considered non-toxic to dogs and can be offered in moderation as a treat. However, consumption of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Bitter-tasting fruits contain toxic cucurbitacins and must not be eaten. Leaves, stems, and roots should also be avoided.

Is pattypan squash safe for Cat?

pattypan squash is classified as selected parts only for Cat. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. Pattypan squash is safe for cats in moderation as a treat, provided only the non-bitter flesh and skin (of young fruits) are offered. Bitter-tasting squashes contain toxic cucurbitacins, which can cause gastrointestinal distress. Leaves, stems, and roots should not be consumed.

Is pattypan squash safe for Rabbit?

pattypan squash is classified as selected parts only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. Pattypan squash fruit can be offered in very small quantities as an occasional treat. Leaves, stems, and roots should not be fed. Special caution is advised for bitter-tasting fruits, as they may contain toxic cucurbitacins which can cause severe gastrointestinal issues. Never grow next to ornamental gourds to avoid cross-contamination.

Is pattypan squash safe for Guinea pig?

pattypan squash is classified as selected parts only for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. Pattypan squash (flesh, young skin, seeds, flowers) can be offered in small amounts as an occasional treat for guinea pigs, provided it does not taste bitter. Bitter squashes contain cucurbitacins, which are toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal upset. Leaves, stems, and roots are not suitable and should not be fed. Always perform a taste test before feeding squash.

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-14

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-14

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Patisson

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-14

  4. English Wikipedia: Pattypan squash

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-14

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