Pattypans look like little yellow, green or stripy spaceships and, like baby marrows, these bushy squashes are easy to grow, with a prolific yield. The fruit is so colourful and looks so good on the plant that you have to discipline yourself to pick them! If you have the space, grow both baby marrows and pattypan squashes because a mixture of the two always looks good in a veggie roast or when served raw with a dip. Healthwise they are a good source of magnesium, niacin and vitamins A and C.
Basic requirements
Full sun, well-composted soil that drains well, 1 m² of space per plant, regular watering around the base of the plant, and two applications of potassium-rich fertiliser (3:1:5) during the growing season will reap great rewards.
Tip:
Don’t make the soil too fertile (by adding manure) as this encourages too much leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Sow seed directly into the soil or germinate it first in 8 cm pots. The latter is advisable if the soil is still cool. Plants should germinate within 10 days.
Watering
Water regularly, but make sure not to overwater in the early stages of growth. This can result in more leaves and less flowers. Once plants start to flower, increase watering if necessary, to at least twice a week in hot and dry conditions.
