Cucurbita pepo Custard White – White Pattypan for summer harvest

Cucurbita pepo Custard White is a beautiful white patisson, also known as the UFO variety, that stands out for its beautiful, round fruits, high yield, and versatile uses. This variety is ideal for gardeners looking for a white summer squash that is harvestable early and suitable for both fresh consumption and culinary preparations.

Striking fruits: white, compact and productive

Custard White produces round to slightly flattened fruits with a diameter of 15–20 cm, making them perfect for young harvests. The firm white skin retains its freshness for a long time, and the fruits have a high flesh content, making them suitable for various culinary uses, such as:

• Summer squash dishes

• Filling and stewing

• Decorative presentation in the kitchen or at the market

Thanks to its compact structure and high yield, Custard White is an excellent choice for growers who combine productivity and quality.

Growth form and plant behaviour

Custard White grows moderately vining to compact, meaning this variety requires little space. For healthy growth and optimal yield, 1 square meter per plant is sufficient. The compact growth habit offers advantages such as:

• Easy maintenance

• Suitable for smaller gardens or vegetable beds

• Good air circulation around the plants, which reduces the risk of disease

The strong and sturdy vines support the fruits well and ensure a stable harvest, even with higher yields.

Cultivation and sowing method

Custard White grows best in warm, well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Cultivation can be achieved through:

• Pre-cultivation from the end of April, followed by planting out after the last night frost

• Sow directly from early May, as soon as the soil has warmed up sufficiently

The optimal germination temperature is between 24–30°C. Sow the seeds with the pointed end down or flat and keep the soil slightly moist. After germination, the young plants should be placed in a brighter, cooler location to promote strong, healthy growth.

The ripening period is approximately 80 days, which means Custard White can be harvested early and used quickly for both culinary and decorative purposes.

Diseases and pests

Although Custard White is a hardy variety, it can be susceptible to common pests and diseases of Cucurbita pepo. Potential threats include:

• Snails

• Birds

• Mice

• Aphids

• Mildew

• Viruses

Sufficient planting distance, good air circulation and regular water management keep Custard White healthy and productive, with a stable yield.

Uses and applications

The versatile fruits of Custard White are suitable for:

• Fresh consumption as summer squash

• Culinary preparations such as stuffing, stewing or roasting

• Decorative applications thanks to the striking white UFO variety

• Hobby and commercial cultivation because of its high yield and compact growth

Custard White is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to harvest early in the season without compromising on quality, yield, and taste.