How to Grow Squash

Beginner-Friendly

Cucurbita pepo

Prolific warm-season vine or bush. Summer squash (yellow crookneck, pattypan) is harvested immature. Bush varieties suit raised beds.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
45–65 days
typical
Per Square Foot
1
Plant Spacing
46 cm / 18"
Sun
8+ hours
Water
1.5" / 38 mm
Fertilization
heavy feeder

Growing Notes

Direct sow after last frost. Harvest when fruits are 15–20 cm for best texture. Pick frequently to keep plants producing.

Varieties & Cultivars

8 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

2005 AAS winner

(1)
Eight Ball
40–50 days Open-Pollinated

pick at 5-8cm diameter like a softball; compact bush habit; unique shape ideal for stuffing; very prolific

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
7.1 oz (200 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
4 years

Classic heirloom pre-1700s

(1)
Yellow Crookneck
43–55 days Open-Pollinated

bumpy yellow skin; best picked at 10-15cm

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
7.1 oz (200 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
4 years

Middle Eastern heirloom

(1)
Cousa
48–55 days Open-Pollinated

excellent stuffed; harvest at 10-15cm

Height
18–30" (46–76 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
7.1 oz (200 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
4 years

Pattypan

(2)
Benning's Green Tint
52–58 days Open-Pollinated

smooth skin; compact bush

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
6.3 oz (180 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
4 years
Pattypan
48–55 days Open-Pollinated

best picked at 5-8cm diameter; bush habit

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
6.2 oz (175 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
4 years

Straightneck

(3)
Early Prolific Straightneck
42–50 days Open-Pollinated

prolific bush habit; disease resistant

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
7.9 oz (225 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
4 years
Goldbar
50–55 days Hybrid

powdery mildew tolerant

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
7.1 oz (200 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
4 years
Zephyr
54–58 days Hybrid

nutty flavour; distinctive appearance

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
7.9 oz (225 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
4 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside squash, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Mint : Mint deters squash bugs (grow in containers)
Oregano : Oregano provides general pest repellent for squash
Beans : Three Sisters: beans fix nitrogen; squash shades soil
Sunflower : Sunflower pollinator attraction and wind protection benefit squash
Corn : Squash leaves shade soil and suppress weeds around corn
Radish : Radishes repel squash vine borers

Keep Apart

Sweet Potato : Both sprawling vines compete for space and share fungal diseases
Potato : Squash may promote potato blight

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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