Growing Squash, also Crookneck, Pattypan, Summer squash

Cucurbita pepo : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
								P	P	P	P

(Best months for growing Squash in South Africa - Semi-arid regions)

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 70°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
Space plants: 24 - 31 inches apart
Harvest in 7-8 weeks.
Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweet corn

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

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,
Reply or Post a new comment
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.)
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Sep 22, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): Spring is the best time to sow all your cucurbit family members.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Mar 22, Anonymous (South Africa - Semi-arid climate): You are talking about butternut pumpkins aren't you. Best to ask in the pumpkin section not the squash. Go to pumpkin enter your climate zone and then check the planting guide.
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Sep 22, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): Butternuts are considered a squash.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Mar 19, Dave (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): Hi, I planted Baby squash last season and they all produced beautiful flowers which then dropped off and no fruit was ever produced. I still have 1 plant growing profusely but it is also dropping its flowers and not producing fruit. I have a raised garden bed which consists of Culterra's professional potting soil mixed with last years winter leaves to which I add lawn cuttings from time to time. The raised bed drains well but faces west with full sun from 10h00 till 17h00. To protect the veggies from the hot afternoon sun I have shade netting covering the raised bed. All my various other veggies and herbs have done extremely well. I tend to water every 3rd day or so when no rain is about. I reside in Pretoria. I am also careful with which veggies I plant together. I also follow the principle of planting Marigolds and Basil in with the veggies. I keep peas, beans and cucumbers well away from onions. I grow potatoes but again well away from the raised bed. Any idea what is up with the baby squash? Your assistance will be appreciated.
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Nov 19, Another gardener (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): Probably not being pollinated. Do it by hand. e g just take one of the "male" flowers (the ones on stalks - and a single stem inside the flower), peel the petals off the male flower to make it easier to get into the "female" flowers and rub the pollen onto the "female" flowers (the ones with the fruit under them - and the curled shaped stamens).
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Feb 17, anthony bass (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): my next question is how does one determine the male and female of the flowers?
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate): Male flowers will have a longer, spindly stalk and only produce pollen (the male half of the deal) while female flowers have shorter stems and an undeveloped fruit (the female half of the deal). This fruit will develop into a squash or pumpkin when and if pollinated. Trust this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Feb 17, anthony bass (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): Hi Guys, I don’t know if this is the right forum for this, but, can some explain to me why a gem squash plant I have has produced so many flowers and yet not one has grown into a squash. I have seen the small squashes grow to about 1cm and then the little stalk starts to dry out and the squash falls off. I have it growing as a vine to keep it off my courtyard floor, is this part of or the problem,
Reply or Post a new comment

Showing 1 - 10 of 13 comments

See comments for all plants

Replying to:

Male flowers will have a longer, spindly stalk and only produce pollen (the male half of the deal) while female flowers have shorter stems and an undeveloped fruit (the female half of the deal). This fruit will develop into a squash or pumpkin when and if pollinated. Trust this helps.

- John

Your name

Where are you?

Email address

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply

Your reply

All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Squash, also Crookneck, Pattypan, Summer squash

Cucurbita pepo : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Squash

Your comments and tips

Become A Supporter!

Planting Reminders