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Untreated seeds, F1 hybrid
Cucurbitaceae
Ornamental flowers seeds
Norseco
Green Lightning F1 patty pan squash (Cucurbita pepo)
Green Lightning F1 patty pan squash has confirmed characteristics that help you plan its placement and cultivation. Green Lightning F1 patty pan squash is an ornamental flowers variety offered as seed for gardeners who want clear, practical product information. Confirmed details include maturity:, ‘Green Lightning’ figure parmi les, height: 90 to 130 cm (36 to 52 in), spread: 90 to 130 cm (36 to 52 in), colour: green moyen rayé green pâle. The packet contains approximately 15 seeds, and the formulation is untreated seeds, f1 hybrid. For best results, follow the sowing, light, and spacing information associated with this variety.
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Discover the plant
Common nameGreen Lightning F1 patty pan squash
FamilyCucurbitaceae
GenusCucurbita
Speciespepo
CultivarGreen Lightning F1
TypeUntreated seeds, F1 hybrid
Botanical nameCucurbita pepo
Green Lightning F1 patty pan squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a summer squash hybrid distinguished by medium-green skin striped pale green. Young round, flattened fruit develops the characteristic scallop shape and offers pleasant, robust flavour. Very early, the cultivar reaches maturity approximately 45 days after sowing and ranks among the season’s first squash. Its yield and quality earned a 2025 All-America Selections award. The official W.H. Perron packet contains approximately 15 untreated seeds suited to indoor starting or direct sowing once warm conditions arrive. Careful labelling keeps this distinctive cultivar identifiable from sowing through harvest.
Sow indoors three weeks before transplanting or direct sow in the garden 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost. This warm-season crop requires temperatures of 18 to 27°C, warmed fertile well-drained soil, and full sun. Place seed approximately 2.5 cm deep in hills spaced 1.5 to 2 m apart, then retain the two or three strongest plants. Incorporate organic matter, water deeply, and mulch to stabilize moisture and reduce soil splash on foliage. Protect young plants with a cloche or tunnel in cool regions. Space and warmth together encourage sturdy establishment before flowering begins.
Harvest patty pans while still young, approximately 2.5 to 5 cm according to the desired size, after the flower drops from the fruit tip. At this stage, skin remains tender and flavour is concentrated. Inspect plants every two days because fruit enlarges rapidly and frequent harvest supports continued production. Use them whole or sliced, grilled, sautéed, roasted, or pickled. Remove overlooked fruit that becomes oversized so the plant continues fruiting. Handle stems carefully during picking and use a clean knife if twisting risks damaging the plant. Prompt cooling after harvest helps preserve tenderness, colour, and fresh flavour.
In the garden
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual
Sowing guide
Sowing & germination
Sowing depth
Approximately 2.5 cm (1 in)
Spacing / density
Hills 1.5 to 2 m apart; retain 2 to 3 plants
Germination temperature
18 to 27°C
Germination time
5 to 10 days
Sowing period
Indoors 3 weeks before transplanting or direct sow after frost
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
Start Green Lightning F1 indoors three to four weeks before the last frost in individual pots to limit root disturbance. Sow one seed 2.5 cm deep in warm mix and maintain even moisture without saturation. Harden seedlings gradually, then transplant after frost danger has passed and soil reaches at least 18°C. Direct sowing is also possible at that time. Choose full sun and incorporate compost into fertile, well-drained soil. Reserve 90 to 130 cm around each plant. Water deeply at soil level, mulch after the soil warms, and harvest frequently. Avoid unnecessary handling of the large leaves; the open habit provides fruit access without major pruning. Watch for slugs during establishment and signs of leaf disease during humid weather. Remove damaged foliage with clean tools while preserving enough healthy leaf area to feed continued production. The cultivar has intermediate resistance to papaya ringspot virus, watermelon mosaic virus, and pâtisson green-striped mosaic virus. This protection does not make plants immune: control weeds, inspect for aphids, and avoid working among wet foliage. Harvesting several times weekly keeps fruit tender and encourages the next set. Rotate away from cucurbits and remove severely affected plants rather than relying on resistance alone.
Soil and care
Soil & care
Soil pH
6.0 to 7.0
Minimum temperature
5°C frost-free
Care level
Intermediate
Watering
Water deeply and consistently at soil level to keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruit enlargement. Avoid cycles of drought and excess water. Organic mulch reduces evaporation and soil splash. In containers, check moisture daily during hot weather, but never leave the pot standing in water. Directing water beneath the canopy shortens the time leaves remain wet and helps reduce favourable conditions for foliar disease.
Soil type
Choose warm, loose, fertile, very well-drained soil amended with mature compost. Loamy texture maintains even moisture without suffocating roots. Keep pH near 6.0 to 7.0 and avoid fresh manure, compacted soil, or depressions where water accumulates. Loosen a broad area before sowing because the plant becomes substantial. After soil warms, apply mulch while keeping the crown clear to reduce persistent stem moisture. In containers, use fresh vegetable potting mix and keep every drainage opening unobstructed.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before sowing or transplanting. At establishment, use a balanced fertilizer according to a soil test or label directions. Once flowering begins, avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes large leaves at the expense of fruit. In containers, apply diluted vegetable fertilizer more regularly, and always water before feeding dry potting mix. Steady growth is preferable to a sudden flush driven by an overly strong application. Observe foliage and fruiting before adding more nutrients.
Moisture
Medium to high, consistent
Seasonal care
In spring, prepare fertile soil with compost and warm it under a cover if the season is late. Start indoors only three to four weeks before planting to avoid oversized seedlings that resent transplanting. Set plants out after frost once soil is warm, and protect young plants temporarily with a cloche if nights remain cool. In summer, water consistently, renew mulch, and inspect leaf undersides. Harvest pâtisson several times weekly at 18 to 20 cm; frequent picking maintains production and prevents oversized fruit. Remove only badly damaged or diseased leaves using clean tools. In autumn, collect all usable fruit before the first frost, then remove the annual plant. Compost only healthy tissue and discard diseased debris separately. Plan a three- or four-year rotation away from other cucurbits to reduce the buildup of soilborne pests and diseases. Clean containers and tools before storage so the next crop begins with sound sanitation. During harvest, wear long sleeves if your skin is sensitive, even though petioles are nearly spineless. Cut fruit with a clean knife when twisting might damage the base. Note where water collects so drainage can be corrected before the next season. Do not store damaged fruit with sound specimens, and process young surplus promptly. Record sowing and first-harvest dates to refine timing for the following year. After the first frost, remove the plant and damaged fruit, then clean tools before using them elsewhere in the garden. Remove frost-damaged plants promptly and clean tools before using them on another cucurbit crop.
Container growing
Container growing
Recommended pot size
45 to 60 L minimum, one plant per container
Choose a container holding at least 45 to 60 L for one plant, with enough width for its 90 to 130 cm habit and several large drainage holes. Fill it with rich vegetable potting mix amended with mature compost, never compact garden soil. Place the pot in full sun, protected from drying winds, and transplant after frost danger has passed. Water slowly until excess drains, then repeat when the surface begins to dry; daily checks are often needed in summer. Feed regularly with a vegetable fertilizer according to its label. Apply light mulch without covering the stem. The open, nearly spineless habit makes patio harvesting easier, but leave enough room to walk around the container. Pick fruit frequently at 18 to 20 cm. At season’s end, compost healthy debris and clean the container before storage. Rotate the next cucurbit crop to fresh mix whenever practical. Raise the container slightly so drainage holes remain clear, and position it before filling because it will become heavy. During extreme heat, a pale pot keeps roots cooler than a black container. Inspect leaf undersides regularly and remove overlooked fruit promptly, since oversized pâtisson can slow production of new tender fruit. Never crowd a second plant into the same pot.
Bloom and dimensions
Size, flowering & harvest
Mature height
90 to 130 cm (36 to 52 in.)
Width / spread
90 to 130 cm (36 to 52 in.)
Flower color
Green-striped
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Annual deciduous, large lobed leaves
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Bushy, open, and nearly spineless
Fragrance
Pleasant, robust, flavourful taste; young patty pan squash harvested at 2.5 to 5 cm have a tender texture suited to quick cooking
Bloom period
Large yellow male and female flowers appear once the plant is established and nights are warm. Bees move pollen between blossoms during the morning. A female flower is recognized by the tiny patty pan already visible at its base. Cold weather, persistent rain, or extreme heat can slow pollination and cause blossoms to drop without setting fruit. Regular observation makes timely care easier and supports balanced growth throughout the season.
Fruiting
Green Lightning F1 produces early round, flat, scalloped patty pans with medium-green skin striped pale green. Harvest at miniature size, approximately 2.5 to 5 cm, once the flower drops from the tip. Fruit enlarges quickly; checking every two days maintains tender skin and encourages new fruit set. An overlooked fruit becomes larger and develops firmer texture. Use clean pruners if the stem resists gentle twisting.
Days to maturity
Approximately 45 days after sowing
Harvest
Around 45 days when fruit measures approximately 2.5 to 5 cm
Garden associations
Companion plants & uses
Companion plants
W.H. Perron lists beet, borage, bean, marjoram, mint, corn, oregano, and radish as companion plants. Use these combinations to organize the vegetable garden without treating them as guaranteed protection. Borage and other nectar-rich flowers may attract insects that visit squash blossoms. Leave enough room, light, and airflow around the stems. Preserve clear access for watering at soil level, inspecting leaf undersides, and harvesting young patty pan squash frequently before the fruits become oversized. Rotate squash with unrelated crops in future seasons and remove diseased plant debris promptly.
Garden use
Harvested young, Green Lightning F1 can be cooked whole or sliced. Its scalloped shape and pale-green stripes make a striking presentation in stir-fries, skewers, grilled dishes, and roasted meals. Small fruit can also be pickled or stuffed individually. Its robust flavour pairs well with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, tomatoes, and mild cheeses. Pick only what is needed and refrigerate clean, dry fruit promptly to preserve its tender texture and fresh quality. Regular observation makes timely care easier and supports balanced growth throughout the season.
Recipe idea
From garden to table
Edible parts
Fruit and flowers
Prepare lemon-herb roasted green-striped pâtisson rounds. Heat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Wash two Green Lightning F1 fruit measuring 18 to 20 cm and slice them into rounds approximately 1 cm thick without peeling. Toss with one tablespoon olive oil, one small minced garlic clove, thyme, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until edges are golden and centres are tender. Add the zest of half a lemon and a splash of juice after removing the tray. Serve with fresh parsley, seasoned yogurt, or a little crumbled cheese. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and eat them within the next few days. The same method also works on a grill using a perforated vegetable basket. Choose young, firm fruit for rounds that retain their shape, and avoid overcrowding the tray so moisture can evaporate efficiently. Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container and use them within the next few days.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
When should Green Lightning F1 be sown in Canada?
Sow indoors approximately three weeks before transplanting or direct sow in the garden 7 to 10 days after the last ground frost. Wait until soil is thoroughly warmed because this squash requires 18 to 27°C for a strong start. Harden seedlings gradually before setting them out. In cool regions, a temporary cloche or tunnel protects young plants, but remove protection at flowering so pollinators can reach blossoms and temperatures do not become excessive. Mulch applied after the soil warms then maintains more even moisture around the roots. Check the plant several times weekly so watering, pollination, and harvest timing can be adjusted promptly.
How many seeds are in the packet and are they treated?
The official W.H. Perron format contains approximately 15 seeds per packet and the formulation is untreated. The product code is 65-4531-01N. Store unused seed in its tightly closed packet, cool, dry, and protected from light. The count is approximate, as stated by the supplier. Prepare pots or hills before opening the packet so the large seed can be placed promptly at the correct depth and each sowing location can be labelled. Record the sowing date to monitor emergence and avoid reseeding before the normal germination window has passed. Check the plant several times weekly so watering, pollination, and harvest timing can be adjusted promptly.
At what size should the patty pans be harvested?
Harvest Green Lightning F1 at approximately 2.5 to 5 cm after the flower drops from the tip. At this miniature stage, skin and flesh remain tender and the fruit can often be cooked whole. Check plants every two days because patty pans enlarge rapidly. Hold fruit gently and cut its stem with a clean tool if needed. Frequent harvest encourages additional fruit formation and prevents oversized squash from diverting plant energy. Refrigerate clean, dry fruit promptly to preserve its delicate texture and best culinary quality. Check the plant several times weekly so watering, pollination, and harvest timing can be adjusted promptly.
Why do flowers sometimes drop without producing fruit?
Squash plants carry separate male and female flowers. The first blossoms are often male and naturally drop. A female flower has a small fruit at its base and must receive pollen, usually carried by bees. Cold, rain, extreme heat, or too few pollinators may reduce fruit set. Avoid treatments during bloom, grow nearby flowers, and if needed transfer pollen manually from an open male blossom to an open female blossom during the morning. Perform this task in the morning while blossoms are fresh, fully open, and pollen is readily available. Check the plant several times weekly so watering, pollination, and harvest timing can be adjusted promptly.
Can Green Lightning F1 be grown in a large container?
Yes. Use a container holding at least 60 litres with excellent drainage and place one vigorous plant in the centre. Choose rich potting mix, add mature compost, and set the pot in full sun. Water deeply whenever the surface dries without allowing standing water. Mulch lightly and direct stems toward available space. Inspect flowers and young fruit daily, then harvest patty pans at 2.5 to 5 cm to maintain production. Rotate the container if light comes mainly from one direction. Monitor moisture closely because potting mix in a large container can dry quickly during hot, windy weather. Check the plant several times weekly so watering, pollination, and harvest timing can be adjusted promptly.
Wildlife and pets
Wildlife & precautions
Supporting wildlife
Large green-striped flowers may attract bees and other pollinating insects in summer, even though Green Lightning F1 is parthenocarpic and can set fruit without pollination. The plant is not grown primarily as wildlife food. Protect young plants from slugs and watch for possible damage from small mammals attracted to tender tissue or fruit.
Outils
Compostage et écologie
