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Benning's Green Tint Pattypan

Cucurbita pepo 'Benning's Green Tint Pattypan'

A charming heirloom summer squash dating back to the 1800s, featuring distinctive scalloped edges and pale green skin that turns creamy white as it matures. This productive bush variety produces tender, buttery-flavored fruits that are perfect for stuffing when small or slicing when larger. The unique flying saucer shape and delicate flavor make it a conversation starter in any garden.

Harvest

50-60d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

White-Tailed Deer

☀️

Zones

3–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Benning's Green Tint Pattypan in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

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Benning's Green Tint Pattypan · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing36-48 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture

SeasonWarm season

FlavorMild, sweet, and buttery with tender flesh

ColorPale green when young, turning creamy white-green at maturity

Size3-4 inches diameter when harvested young, up to 6 inches

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	June – July	August – October
Zone 4	—	—	June – July	August – October
Zone 5	—	—	May – June	August – September
Zone 6	—	—	May – June	July – September
Zone 7	—	—	April – June	July – August
Zone 8	—	—	April – May	June – August
Zone 9	—	—	March – April	May – July
Zone 10	—	—	February – April	May – June

Complete Growing Guide

Light: White-Tailed Deer. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: var. CylindricaZucchini Squash, var. Cylindrica. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

A type of berry called a pepo that has a hard rind. Fruits may be long or round, large or small, smooth or warty– some have edible flesh and some are too hard or insipid to eat, though the seeds of all are edible. Has a harder, thicker stem compared to other species.

Color: Black, Cream/Tan, Gold/Yellow, Green, Orange, Pink, Red/Burgundy, Variegated, White. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: > 3 inches.

Garden value: Edible, Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Storage & Preservation

Fresh Benning's Green Tint Pattypan stores best at room temperature for 3-5 days or refrigerated in a perforated plastic bag for up to one week. Store in the crisper drawer at 50-55°F with moderate humidity – avoid temperatures below 45°F, which cause chilling injury and accelerated decay.

For longer storage, slice fruits into 1/2-inch rounds, blanch for 3 minutes, then freeze on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags. Frozen pattypan maintains quality for 8-10 months. Small fruits (2-3 inches) pickle excellently using standard cucumber pickle recipes, maintaining their unique shape and developing a delightfully crisp texture. The mild flavor also makes them excellent for dehydrating into chips – slice thin and dehydrate at 135°F for 8-12 hours until crisp.

History & Origin

Origin: North America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, repels aphids

Marigolds

Repels cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and nematodes with natural compounds

Radishes

Deters squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, breaks up soil

Corn

Provides natural trellis support and shade, part of Three Sisters planting

Beans

Fixes nitrogen in soil, completes Three Sisters companion trio

Catnip

Repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and ants effectively

Oregano

Repels cucumber beetles and provides general pest deterrent properties

Sunflowers

Attracts beneficial insects and provides wind protection for squash vines

Keep Apart

Potatoes

Competes for nutrients and space, may increase disease susceptibility

Brassicas

Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients, may stunt squash growth

Fennel

Inhibits growth through allelopathic compounds, stunts most vegetable plants

Nutrition Facts

Calories

26kcal(1%)

Protein

0.52g(1%)

Carbs

5.64g(2%)

Fat

0.2g(0%)

Vitamin C

4.5mg(5%)

Iron

0.17mg(1%)

Calcium

9mg(1%)

Potassium

205mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168040)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Typical heirloom disease susceptibility, generally hardy

Common Pests

Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, squash vine borers

Diseases

Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Benning's Green Tint Pattypan take to grow from seed?▼

Benning's Green Tint Pattypan typically takes 50-60 days from direct seeding to first harvest. If starting seeds indoors 2-3 weeks early, you can expect harvestable fruits about 45-50 days after transplanting. Peak production occurs 2-3 weeks after first harvest and continues for 6-8 weeks with regular picking.

Can you grow Benning's Green Tint Pattypan in containers?▼

Yes, this variety works well in large containers due to its compact bush habit. Use containers at least 20 gallons with drainage holes, and choose dwarf or bush varieties. Provide sturdy support and water more frequently than ground-planted squash, as containers dry out quickly. Expect slightly reduced yields compared to garden-grown plants.

What does Benning's Green Tint Pattypan taste like?▼

This variety offers a mild, sweet, and distinctly buttery flavor with tender, fine-textured flesh. The taste is more delicate and less watery than many modern summer squashes, with a subtle nutty undertone that becomes more pronounced when cooked. Young fruits have an almost creamy texture perfect for raw preparation.

When should I plant Benning's Green Tint Pattypan seeds?▼

Plant seeds outdoors 2-3 weeks after your last frost date when soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F. For most regions, this falls between mid-May to early June. In warmer climates, you can succession plant every 2-3 weeks through mid-summer for continuous harvest into fall.

Is Benning's Green Tint Pattypan good for beginner gardeners?▼

Yes, this variety is excellent for beginners due to its reliable germination, compact growth habit, and forgiving nature. The main challenge is learning to harvest frequently to maintain production, but the visual cues are easy to learn. Its bush form requires no trellising or complex training.

How do you know when Benning's Green Tint Pattypan is ready to pick?▼

Harvest when fruits are 3-4 inches across with glossy, pale green skin that yields slightly to pressure. The skin should puncture easily with a fingernail, and the stem should twist off cleanly. Check plants daily during peak season, as fruits can become tough within 2-3 days if left too long.