'Green Lightning' Pattypan Squash

Pattypan squash 'Green Lightning' (Cucurbita pepo), offered by the seed company WH Perron

The 'Green Lightning' pattypan squash is an early, unique, and highly attractive variety, renowned for its spectacular green striped coloration , one of the first of its kind on the market. Its round, flat, "voter's cap"-shaped fruits are distinguished by their vibrant appearance , as well as their pleasant and pronounced flavor , highly prized in cooking. Thanks to its rapid maturation, it is among the first squashes harvested of the season , a valuable advantage for gardeners eager for an early harvest.

Both productive and reliable , the 'Green Lightning' pattypan squash offers tender fruit when harvested young, perfect for quick cooking, grilling, or stir-fries. Its vigorous growth and consistent yield make it an easy variety to grow , as enjoyable to cultivate as it is to cook with.

Latin name : Cucurbita pepo
Maturity : Annual
Type : Pattypan squash, voter's cap
Maturity after sowing : Approximately 45 days
Fruit shape : Round, flat
Fruit size : Approximately 2.5 to 5 cm
Fruit color : Medium green with pale green stripes
Quantity per packet : Approximately 15 seeds
Formulation : Untreated
Uses : Fresh cooking, stir-fries, grilling, family vegetable garden

Companion plants : Beetroot, borage, beans, marjoram, mint, corn, oregano, radish
Negative plants : Cabbage, potato, tomato

Farming method

The 'Green Lightning' pattypan squash is a warm-season crop , thriving in temperatures between 18 and 27°C . It can be sown indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost , or directly in the garden once all risk of frost has passed. Plant the seedlings in warm, fertile, and well-drained soil in full sun ; this is essential for good growth and abundant production.

Sow each seed approximately 2.5 cm deep , in mounds spaced 1.5 to 2 m apart. After germination, thin to leave two or three strong plants per mound. Regular and generous watering is recommended to maintain consistent moisture, especially during the active growth period.

Growing tips

Incorporating organic matter into the soil before planting and mulching afterward helps retain moisture and stabilize soil temperature. In cooler regions, using cloches or tunnels early in the season promotes a good start. Although this variety is primarily grown in the ground, it can also be planted on sturdy supports if space is limited.

Harvesting and uses

Harvest the fruits when the flower naturally detaches from the tip of the pattypan squash, at which stage the flesh is most tender and flavorful. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous production and helps maintain excellent taste.
Early, decorative and tasty , the 'Green Lightning' pattypan squash is an excellent choice for those who wish to grow an original, easy and very rewarding squash from the beginning of the season.