Cucurbita pepo Sunbeam F1 – colorful and sustainable patisson squash

Cucurbita pepo Sunbeam F1 is a striking pattypan squash that immediately catches the eye with its dark yellow color combined with varying proportions of green. This F1 hybrid variety has a more distinctive and attractive shape than the well-known Sunburst variety and produces larger, long-lasting fruits of approximately 20 centimeters. Sunbeam F1 is particularly suitable for ornamental use and is a real eye-catcher in gardens, markets, and seasonal displays.

Colorful and decorative patissons

Sunbeam F1 berries are recognizable by their unique color combination of dark yellow and green, giving each harvest a vibrant and natural look. Their distinctive shape and larger size make these patissons stand out in both gardens and decorative arrangements. Characteristics of the berries include:

• Color: dark yellow with green accents

• Size: approximately 20 cm in diameter

• Pronounced, graceful shape

• Durable and sturdy for long lasting presentation

These properties make Sunbeam F1 ideal for creative autumn decorations, table decorations or as an addition to flower arrangements.

Moderately climbing plant

Sunbeam F1 is a moderately vining variety, which means the plants remain compact and take up less space than vigorously vining varieties. This makes the variety suitable for:

• small vegetable gardens and allotments

• intensive cultivation on limited plots

• hobby gardeners who want to combine high ornamental value with simple care

Despite its compact vine growth, Sunbeam F1 delivers reliable production of large, uniform patissons.

Decorative application – a real eye-catcher

Sunbeam F1 is particularly valued for its decorative qualities. The patissons are sturdy, durable, and retain their color and shape for a long time, making them ideal for:

• autumn decorations in the house and garden

• sales at markets and garden centers

• seasonal arrangements and flower arrangements

• creative projects for schools or workshops

Their larger size and distinctive shape make the fruits a real eye-catcher in any decorative ensemble.

Maturation time of 80 days – early and efficient

Sunbeam F1 matures in approximately 80 days, making it an early-maturing variety that can be harvested quickly. This offers flexibility for multiple crops per season or early market sales. The fruits develop uniformly and maintain their quality throughout the season.

Cultivation advice for optimal yield

As with all Cucurbita pepo varieties, Sunbeam F1 grows best in warm, well-drained, and fertile soil. For successful cultivation, the seeds can be planted in two ways:

• Sow from the end of April, followed by planting out after the last night frost

• Sow directly from early May, as soon as the soil is sufficiently warm

For optimal germination, a temperature of 24–30°C is ideal. The seeds should be placed pointed-side down or flat and kept slightly moist, but not wet. After germination, the seedlings should be placed in a bright, cooler location to encourage strong, compact growth.

Planting distance and space requirements

Pattypan squash plants require little space. For Sunbeam F1, 1 m² per plant is usually sufficient. This provides sufficient light, air circulation, and nutrient-rich space to develop healthy, large pattypan squash.