Pattypan Squash Gagat

Pattypan Squash Gagat: variety and characteristics

Pattypan Squash Gagat is an annual vegetable of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). "Gagat" is a very popular variety intended for both amateur and commercial growing.

The plants have a bushy habit.

The leaves are large, and yellow flowers appear from the leaf axils.

The young, pale green squashes do not need peeling.

With age they darken and become almost black.

The flesh is white, crunchy, juicy and aromatic, resembling the taste of cucumber.

The pumpkin is the symbol of the autumn garden — for roasting, pies, soups, purées and long winter storage. Besides edible ones, there are also ornamental varieties for decoration.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 96%
• Seeds per packet: 8–12 pcs (1 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: April; direct or seedlings
• Harvest: October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Pattypan Squash Gagat

Pattypan Squash Gagat seeds are sown in April. Harvest takes place in October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Pattypan Squash Gagat

• Sowing method: direct or seedlings
• Depth: 3–4 cm
• Spacing: 1–2 m
• Germination: 5–10 days at 20–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

It tolerates even poorer soils and is resistant to diseases and pests. Because of the shallow root system, regular watering is essential. Seedlings planted in the second ten days of May give a harvest from July to September. Plant in the growing site once all danger of frost has passed. Plant at a distance of at least 60 cm. Continue to water if the weather is dry after planting. Squash of this type is most tender when unripe and is a good source of magnesium, niacin and vitamins A and C. It is low in calories and contains no fat.

Sow directly into warm soil (above 15 °C) at 2–3 seeds per hill, or plant transplants at 3–4 weeks. The pumpkin likes rich, fertilised soil and generous watering when the fruit sets.

Harvest and use

Harvest when the stalk dries and the skin cannot be dented by a fingernail. Leave pumpkins in the sun for 1–2 weeks to “cure” before storing.

Frequently asked questions

When should Pattypan Squash Gagat be sown?

The recommended sowing month is April. Sowing method: direct or seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 8–12 seeds, pack size 1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 96%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

How long does a pumpkin keep?

Well-ripened pumpkins with the whole stalk keep for 3–6 months in a dry, cool place (10–15 °C).

When is pumpkin sown?

Directly outdoors after the last frosts — late April and May; for an earlier harvest, transplants from early April.