Squash Seeds - White Scallop - Bush Summer

Pattypan squash - White

Detailed Bennings Green Tint Scallop Squash Info: Cucurbita pepo. Annual. 50-65 days. 350 seeds per oz. 24-48" height. 36-48" spacing. Produces 2-3" pale green, saucer shaped patty pan squashes with scalloped edges.
Pattypan squash is a variety of summer squash notable for its small size, round and shallow shape, and scalloped edges, somewhat resembling a small toy top, or flying saucer. The name "pattypan" derives from "a pan
for baking a patty.
How to Grow Pattypan Squash
Early White Bush Scallop Squash
Days to germination: 7 to10 days
Days to harvest: 45 to 70 days
Light requirements: Full sun
Water requirements: Regular watering, more frequent in dry weather
Soil: Rich loose soil
Container: Definitely
Introduction
The lesser-known pattypan squash, also known as flying saucer or scallop squash, is becoming increasingly popular with gardeners due to its unique appearance and compact size. It can be enjoyed both raw and cooked and is a rich source of essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium, and manganese. Unlike winter squashes, like butternut, its flesh is lighter in color but still packed with nutrition.
Starting from Seed
Pattypan needs warm soil and no risk of frost. So you can’t plant seeds in the garden until your frost date has passed. Since the maturity time for pattypans is relatively short, its not really necessary to start your seeds inside. But there is also no particular reason not to.
If you want to start seedlings, get them going about 3 weeks before your frost date. Use loose potting soil, and put the seeds in about an inch deep. Give them lots of sun and keep them well watered until it’s time to plant them.
Transplanting
Seeds or transplants will go out in the garden at the same time, about a week after your last frost date. Dig your soil well beforehand, and add a generous load of fertilizer (such as compost or aged manure). Choose a location in your garden that will get sun throughout the day as well.
Since pattypans grow in a bush rather than as crawling vines, you have to space them out differently than you would with zucchini. They don’t work very well in hills, so plant them out in rows instead with about 2 to 3 feet between them. Like with indoor seedlings, seeds should be no more than an inch under the soil.
Pattypan bushes are fairly sturdy and shouldn’t require much support, especially if you pick the squashes before they get too heavy.
Growing Instructions
Once your plants start to produce blossoms and fruit, make sure to water frequently if the weather is dry. Pattypans grow quickly and need a lot of water to develop properly. Don’t let them dry out.
Apply a thick layer of straw or organic material to your plants as mulch. This aids in retaining moisture and preventing weed growth. Due to its shallow root system, removing weeds can harm the Pattypan squash plant.
To ensure squash production, avoid excessive use of insecticides when early blossoms appear. Allow natural pollinators to do their job, even after the initial batch of flowers. Keep this in mind while caring for your plants.
Containers
Because of its bushy shape, pattypans are great for container gardening. A 5-gallon pot is fine for each plant, and you won’t have it spilling over once it starts to grow. As pots will dry out faster than soil right in the garden, you definitely need to water your squash frequently so the fruits can grow without getting bitter.
Harvest and Storage
Pattypan's are usually picked whenever you want to use one because they are edible and very tasty even when quite small. Around 3 to 4 inches across is best. If they get much larger, they will lose their flavor and get seedy inside. Your plants will need frequent attention as a squash can go from flower to vegetable in less than a week.
The plants are very fruitful, and you will get several dozen squash from each one. You should keep that in mind when you plan out your garden. A few plants will go a long way, unless you enjoy eating squash at every meal.
Its highly recommended that you wear gloves at harvest time, since the plants are quite prickly. Since you will be harvesting many times through the summer, you want to leave your plants unharmed while you pick squash. Either snip the squash off with shears or gently twist them off. Dont yank.
Winter squash (like acorn or butternut) store very well due to their thick rinds, but pattypan is a summer squash and much less durable. Store your squash in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days, possibly up to a week. They can be frozen but will be extremely soft when thawed, but still usable for soups or purees.