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Yellow Scallop Pattypan

Cucurbita pepo 'Yellow Scallop'

These charming sunshine-yellow summer squashes look like little flying saucers with their distinctive scalloped edges and flattened shape. Incredibly productive plants begin bearing early in the season and continue producing tender, mild-flavored fruits perfect for stuffing, grilling, or eating raw. Their unique appearance and sweet, delicate taste make them a favorite at farmers markets and dinner tables alike.

Harvest

50-55d

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 Yellow Scallop Pattypan in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 squash →

Zone Map

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Yellow Scallop Pattypan · Zones 3–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing36-48 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture

SeasonWarm season

FlavorMild, sweet, and tender with delicate squash flavor

ColorBright golden yellow

Size3-4 inches diameter 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 Yellow Scallop Pattypans store best in the refrigerator crisper drawer for 4-7 days, though they're at peak flavor and tenderness within 2-3 days of harvest. Their thin, tender skins make them more perishable than winter squash, so avoid storing at room temperature for more than 1-2 days.

For longer preservation, blanch whole small pattypans (2-3 inches) for 3 minutes, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 8 months—they're perfect for stuffing when thawed. Alternatively, slice larger fruits into rounds, blanch for 2 minutes, and freeze on trays before transferring to freezer bags. Pickled pattypans make excellent preserves: slice and quick-pickle in vinegar brine with dill and garlic for a tangy side dish that keeps refrigerated for several weeks.

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, breaks up soil for squash roots

Beans

Fix nitrogen in soil that squash can utilize, and squash leaves provide shade for bean roots

Corn

Provides vertical structure and wind protection, part of traditional Three Sisters planting

Catnip

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

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control squash pests

Oregano

Repels cucumber beetles and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Keep Apart

Potatoes

Compete for similar nutrients and space, may increase disease pressure in soil

Fennel

Inhibits growth of most garden plants including squash through allelopathic compounds

Brassicas

Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients, may stunt squash growth and development

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

Moderate resistance to common squash diseases

Common Pests

Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, aphids

Diseases

Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, mosaic virus

Frequently Asked Questions

How big should Yellow Scallop Pattypan squash be when harvested?▼

Harvest Yellow Scallop Pattypan when they're 2-4 inches across for the best flavor and texture. At this size, the skin should be bright yellow and tender enough to pierce with your fingernail. Smaller fruits (2-3 inches) are perfect for stuffing whole, while larger ones (3-4 inches) are ideal for slicing and grilling.

Can you grow Yellow Scallop Pattypan in containers?▼

Yes, Yellow Scallop Pattypan grows well in containers due to its compact bush habit. Use a container at least 20 gallons (24+ inches wide and deep) with drainage holes. Choose dwarf varieties if space is limited, and expect 2-3 plants to provide plenty of squash for a family throughout the growing season.

What does Yellow Scallop Pattypan taste like?▼

Yellow Scallop Pattypan has a mild, sweet, and delicate squash flavor with tender, almost buttery flesh when harvested young. The taste is less intense than zucchini but similar, with a slightly nutty undertone. Young fruits can be eaten raw in salads, while mature ones develop a richer, more pronounced squash flavor perfect for cooking.

How long does Yellow Scallop Pattypan take to grow from seed?▼

Yellow Scallop Pattypan takes 50-55 days from seed to first harvest. Seeds typically germinate in 7-10 days in warm soil (65°F+), plants begin flowering around 35-40 days, and you'll see first fruits ready for harvest about 10-15 days after flowering begins.

Is Yellow Scallop Pattypan good for beginners?▼

Absolutely! Yellow Scallop Pattypan is excellent for beginning gardeners. It's very easy to grow, has reliable germination, requires no staking or complex care, and produces quickly. The main skill to learn is harvesting at the right size and frequency, but even mistakes are forgiving since plants keep producing new fruits.

When should I plant Yellow Scallop Pattypan seeds?▼

Plant Yellow Scallop Pattypan seeds after your last frost date when soil temperature reaches 65°F consistently. This is typically 2-3 weeks after the last spring frost. In most areas, this means late May through early June. In zones 9-10, you can plant a second crop in late summer for fall harvest.