Growing Squash, also Crookneck, Pattypan, Summer squash

Cucurbita pepo : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S S S S            
      T T T T T        
      P P P P          

(Best months for growing Squash in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 21°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 60 - 80 cm apart
  • Harvest in 7-8 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweet corn
  • Mother Hubbard squash
  • Pattypan squash

Start in individual pots then transfer when all risk of frost is past. For succession, later plantings can be straight into the ground. Fast maturing squash varieties for summer growing. Not suitable to store like pumpkins. Usually grown to pick when young and used without removing rind or seeds.

Zucchini/courgette (see under Z) is also a variety of squash

Protect from frost. Water well. Grow on well mulched, raised area. Shelter from strong winds.

A spray with a 5 gm/teasp Bicarbonate of Soda in 600 ml/pint of water will help slow powdery mildew when it appears.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Squash

Use whole or sliced. Steam or fry.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
06 Feb 24, Mike Johnson (USA - Zone 6a climate)
I have Georgia Candy Roaster squash seeds, Heirloom. Can they be grown in 6A?
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18 Oct 23, lukas (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I planted gem squash and the leaves of the plants curled upwards as soon as it come out of the bulb.I cant find any insects or mildew on the plants.Help me please,
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07 Mar 23, Amanda (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Which squash varities can trellis? Some say trellis summer because winter is too heavy. Some say you cant trellis summer squash because its a bush plant and only winter squash will vine/trellis. Please help.
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13 Jul 23, Kathryn (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Some varieties of both winter and summer squash trellis while others do not. You just need to pick a small, vining variety. I too have heard that it's not worth trellising any type of summer squash because the vines are not so long that you save much space... so here I am with Pattypan dancing circles around their 8ft bed. Next year they're going on a trellis. For winters, focus more on size; I've seen pictures of Kabocha on a good, strong trellis but not sure which varieties like your cooler climate.
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28 Dec 22, Kevin Carroll (USA - Zone 10a climate)
When can I start winter squash--acorn squash, especially?
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01 Jan 24, L Brody (USA - Zone 10a climate)
All squash is planted at the same time. Summer squash will be ready to harvest in the summer months and winter squash will take longer and be ready in the late fall/winter months. This should help with planning out where to plant as well. Happy Gardening!
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05 Jan 23, (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Check the planting guide at the top of the page.
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01 Sep 22, i remember spaggetti squash loved it but cant find it any ideas? (Australia - temperate climate)
where do I get spagetti squash seeds or plants please
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25 Feb 22, Will (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
CAN I PLANT BUTTERNUTS NOW (FEB)? (Gardenate replied : It depends on when cold weather starts in your local area. The plants might not have time to develop before the soil is too cold.)
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21 Sep 22, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Spring is the best time to sow all your cucurbit family members.
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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