Patty pan squash, also known as scallop squash, sunburst squash, white squash, scaloppini, and button squash, is a summer squash that has a nutty buttery flavor. Unlike the elongated cylindrical shape of zucchini or the somewhat elongated or crooked neck of yellow squash, patty pan squash has a flattened spherical shape that is often compared to that of a flying saucer. Patty pan can be white, green, yellow, or a combination of these colors. Their skin, like other summer squashes, is thin and edible. They have a low moisture content compared to other summer squashes and are a good source of vitamins A and C, folic acid, potassium, manganese, and fiber.
How to Plant
Patty pan can be started from seed under a grow light about two to three weeks before the last frost date in the spring or directly sown outdoors once the threat of frost has passed and the soil is at least 65o F (18o C). If planting in raised beds, space plants 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart in soil that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and has a slightly acid soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
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The seeds should germinate in about 7 to 14 days. If seeds were started indoors, harden them off before transplanting outside. If you sow a later crop, be sure to allow time for the plants to mature and produce a harvest before your area’s first fall frost date. Patty pan require at least six hours of full sun.
This compact squash is a semi-bush type that spreads out only three to four feet (1 to 1.2 meters) and grows about two to three feet (.6 to .9 meters) tall. They can be grown in containers, but you will need one that is at least the size of a five gallon bucket. The vine will spill over the side, but you can use a trellis to help support it if you would like.
It is important to keep the plants well-watered but not soggy in order to produce flowers and fruit. If you live in an arid climate, consider adding a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. Although patty pan is a warm weather crop, like other summer squashes, their production will slow during the peak of summer when temperatures are the hottest.
If growing patty pan in the ground, fertilize the plants about once a month with a fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus than it is in nitrogen. Or, if growing in containers, you will need to fertilize every week or two. This is the liquid fertilizer I use, or if you prefer, this is a granular one.
How to Harvest
Depending on the variety, patty pan are ready to harvest in 45 to 70 days. It will be more tender if harvested when it is between 2 and 4 inches (5 and 10 cm) in diameter. Some varieties, like Early Bush Scallop, are best harvested when they are between 4 and 6 inches in diameter (10 and 15 cm). The squash can be stored in the refrigerator for about one week.
Patty pan can be prepared in a variety of ways. It can be stuffed with meat and vegetables just like you would stuff an acorn squash. It tastes amazing grilled, roasted, sautéed, or fried. Basically, you can use patty pan squash in any recipe that calls for zucchini.
Pests and Diseases
Sometimes it can be a challenge to keep summer squash pest free, and patty pan is no different. Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and squash vine borers love the produce as much as you do. Thankfully, there are a variety of methods to combat each of these pests. Be sure to check out my articles on these and other garden pests.
As for diseases, the primary culprit is powdery mildew. This fungal disease strikes squash plants that are grown primarily in warm, humid areas. Thankfully, there are a variety of methods to help prevent and successfully treat it.
If the squash plant does not produce female flowers, here is an article on why it might be happening and what you can do about it.
Patty Pan Varieties
Here are some varieties you might be interested in exploring. All of these take about 50 days to mature:
Peter Pan produces miniature squash (about 1 to 3 inches) that have light green meat that are said to taste sweet.
Early Bush White is an heirloom variety with white skin. It is well-suited for small gardens.
Scallop Yellow Bush is more flat and round with bright yellow skin. It is said to be a good squash for stuffing.
Sunburst is a hybrid yellow patty pan squash that has a bright green spot on the blossom end. Its compact vines make it well-suited for smaller gardens.
Scallop Blend Summer, by Botanical Interests, is a seed mix that includes Early White Bush, Bennings Green Tint, and Yellow Bush if you would like to try growing a scallop squash sampler.
Patty pan squash may not be as familiar as other summer squashes, but it is just as amazing to grow and eat!
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