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 S S
T T T             T T T
P P               P P P

(Best months for growing Squash in Australia - sub-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
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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02 Nov 20, LORRAINE (Australia - temperate climate)
I have read article on planting the 3 companion plants together..have planted sweet corn & French runner beans & looking for a suggestion for something climbing for trellis behind Don't particularly like squash..
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03 Nov 20, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
My suggestion is plant them in separate areas, all three that is. I have just harvested a block of corn, there is no way I could have planted climbing beans amongst them. You would have to thin out the corn planting therefore effecting the pollination ability of the corn. Do you want small thin cobs of corn. I feel you would end up with a poor crop of each vegetable. Corn needs fertilising, beans don't need much, conflict.
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02 Oct 20, Mrs W (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am growing squash at the moment, but flowers grow then bud ( squash) grow then fall off when really tiny. First year this has happened. Grew plenty last year. Is it the extra heat we are having here in QLD? Is it because they are now growing on trellis? Last year just left on the garden bed similar to pumpkin.
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04 Oct 20, Bruce (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, The unpollinated will fall off when small. Maybe increase your flower plants around them to encourage bees or do a little pollinating yourself with a cotton bud. Hope this helps
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23 Apr 20, Robyn Bartlett (Australia - tropical climate)
How do you know when to harvest patty pan squash? I have lots of small squash, some vibrant yellow, and other still pale. Some small ones are starting to just fall off and flowers on others are dying. Help please! It looked like this was going to be a bumper crop!!
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24 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Most squash are picked when they are small. Look up the internet and have a look. If you like small ones about 40mm and up to 50-60mm for larger. If they are not pollinated they will just shrivel up and die. Read up about pollination.
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15 Apr 18, Zenobia Strijdom (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I recently purchased gem squash seeds. I live in Townsville and was just wondering when would be a good time to plant them?
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16 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - tropical climate)
Seeing they are a squash I would presume you follow the guidelines for them. You are tropical zone and it says plant from April to Sept. Generally wait until the heavy summer rain season has eased off. I good idea is to look up when to grow something before buying the seeds / seedlings.
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15 Apr 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
If you follow the planting guide for zucchini/courgette for your zone, you should be successful
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