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

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
09 Sep 09, Portia Walker (Australia - temperate climate)
I want to grow spaghetti vegetable, does anyone in Perth have any tips, ideas... seeds
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Jan 09, Orange Roughie (Australia - temperate climate)
There are a number of different types of squash ranging in mature colour from pale green to bright yellow. Pick when you feel your squash has stopped growing rapidly. Once the flower is pollinated you will see 2 weeks or so of rapid growth, after which it slows down somewhat. Experience of your own plant will tell you when is the best time to pick them, too big and they get 'floury' and too small and they are not ripe enough. Learn from your own plant, and let them grow.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Nov 08, Elaine Boness (Australia - temperate climate)
I also would like to know when to harvest squash as this is the first time I've grown it. Do you harvest it the moment the flower dies off the end inlike comment before mine are yellow on plant
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Oct 08, Gabi (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
when should you cut yellow ruffle squash from the plant? We were told to cut them young and green and allow to yellow, but they have not yellowed as yet.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 41 - 44 of 44 comments
See comments for all plants

The fruit comes from the female flower and it needs to be pollinated by a male flower (much like people) for it to develop into a fruit that is then able to produce seeds and reproduce a new plant. check google for male/female flowers on squash, same applies for pumpkin, zucchini and cucumbers etc. early in the season the plant may not have both sets of flowers but as the plant develops it will. you can also hand pollinate. hope that helps.

- Anonymous

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


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

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.