HybridContainer OK

Pattypan Squash (Sunburst)

Cucurbita pepo var. clypeata 'Sunburst'

A cheerful hybrid summer squash that looks like little flying saucers in bright yellow with distinctive scalloped edges that make every harvest feel festive. This compact, productive variety is perfect for small gardens and containers, producing tender, buttery-flavored fruits that are as beautiful as they are delicious. The unique UFO shape and vibrant color make it a favorite for farmers markets and gourmet cooking.

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 Pattypan Squash (Sunburst) in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

Pattypan Squash (Sunburst) · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing36 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with organic matter

pH6.0-7.5

Water1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture

SeasonWarm season

FlavorMild, sweet, and buttery with tender texture

ColorBright golden yellow with light green blossom end

Size3-4 inches across when harvested young

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 Sunburst pattypan squash keeps best at room temperature for 3-5 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture. For longer storage, refrigerate in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer for up to one week, though the skin may become slightly tough.

For freezing, slice fruits into ½-inch rounds, blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes, then plunge into ice water before packaging. Frozen pattypan maintains quality for 10-12 months and works well in soups and casseroles.

Pickle small, tender fruits (1-2 inches) whole using standard cucumber pickle recipes—their unique shape makes stunning refrigerator pickles. You can also grate larger fruits and freeze the pulp for winter baking projects like zucchini bread, though the texture will be softer than traditional zucchini. Dehydrate thin slices at 125°F for crispy chips that make excellent snacks or soup garnishes.

History & Origin

Origin: North America

Advantages

+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Nasturtiums

Repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids while attracting beneficial predatory insects

Marigolds

Deters squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and nematodes with their strong scent

Radishes

Repels squash vine borers and cucumber beetles, quick harvest before squash spreads

Corn

Provides vertical structure and shade, part of traditional Three Sisters planting

Beans

Fixes nitrogen in soil to benefit heavy-feeding squash, completes Three Sisters guild

Catnip

Strongly repels squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and other common squash pests

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that prey on squash pest larvae

Sunflowers

Provides shade and wind protection, attracts pollinators essential for squash fruit production

Keep Apart

Potatoes

Compete for similar soil nutrients and space, both are heavy feeders that deplete soil

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit squash growth and development

Aromatic herbs (Sage)

Strong oils can inhibit squash growth and may interfere with pollinator attraction

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

Good resistance to powdery mildew and some viruses

Common Pests

Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, aphids

Diseases

Bacterial wilt, squash mosaic virus, downy mildew

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Sunburst pattypan squash take to grow?▼

Sunburst pattypan squash takes 50-60 days from planting to first harvest. You'll see flowers in about 35-40 days, with female flowers producing small fruits that reach harvestable size (2-4 inches) within 7-10 days of pollination. Once production begins, you can harvest continuously for 8-10 weeks with regular picking every 1-2 days.

Can you grow Sunburst pattypan squash in containers?▼

Yes, Sunburst is excellent for container growing due to its compact bush habit. Use containers at least 20 gallons with drainage holes, and fill with high-quality potting mix enriched with compost. Place containers in full sun and water more frequently than garden plants, as containers dry out faster. One plant per large container produces plenty of squash for most families.

What does Sunburst pattypan squash taste like?▼

Sunburst has a mild, sweet, and buttery flavor similar to yellow summer squash but with a slightly denser texture. When harvested at 2-4 inches, the flesh is tender and creamy with edible skin. The taste is less watery than zucchini, making it excellent for grilling, stuffing, or eating raw in salads when very small.

When should I plant Sunburst pattypan squash?▼

Plant Sunburst after soil temperature reaches 65°F and all danger of frost has passed, typically 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. In most areas, this means late May to early June. You can start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks earlier for a head start, or succession plant every 2-3 weeks through midsummer for continuous harvests.

Is Sunburst pattypan squash good for beginners?▼

Yes, Sunburst is excellent for beginning gardeners. It's rated as easy to grow, has good disease resistance, requires no staking or training, and produces abundantly in a compact space. The main requirement is regular harvesting every 1-2 days during peak season to keep plants productive, making it perfect for gardeners who enjoy frequent interaction with their plants.

How big should Sunburst pattypan squash be when harvested?▼

Harvest Sunburst pattypan squash when fruits are 2-4 inches across for best eating quality. At this size, the skin is tender and edible, and the flesh is sweet and creamy. Fruits larger than 4 inches become tough and seedy, though they're still usable for grating into baked goods or soups.