Pair of Gelber Englischer Custard Summer Squash on a white background.
A basket full of young Gelber Englischer Custard Summer Squash surrounded by squash.
An overhead view of various sized Gelber Englischer Custard Summer Squash arranged on wood background.
A couple of Gelber Englischer Custard Summer Squash with blooms on dark brown background.
Pair of Gelber Englischer Custard Summer Squash on a white background.
A basket full of young Gelber Englischer Custard Summer Squash surrounded by squash.
An overhead view of various sized Gelber Englischer Custard Summer Squash arranged on wood background.
A couple of Gelber Englischer Custard Summer Squash with blooms on dark brown background.

Summer Squash Seeds,
Gelber Englischer Custard

4.641 ReviewsSKU: #SSQ136Min. seed count: 20
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Description

(Cucurbita pepo). Incredible flavor! A favorite in the kitchen! Clear lemon yellow fruit is a patty pan type, but with a bizarre twist. Fruit is oddly flattened—impossible to describe. Productive bush plants yield over a long season if kept picked. Recommended for cooler climates like the Pacific Northwest. This unique variety originated in Gatersleben, Germany. Described in Amy Goldman’s book The Compleat Squash. Matures orange in color.

Growing Tips: Gelber Englischer Custard squash is a rare yellow scallop variety with a delicate, nutty flavor and ornamental charm. This compact, bush-type plant is ideal for smaller gardens. It performs best in fertile, well-drained soil with regular watering and full sun. Frequent harvesting when fruits are young encourages prolific production and the most tender, flavorful squash.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita pepo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Bush
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
50–60
Planting Depth
1 in.
Plant Spacing
24–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Direct sow after the last frost when soil is at least 70°F. For early harvests, start seeds indoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost and transplant outdoors once conditions are warm and stable. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds directly into warm soil, planting 1 inch deep and spacing plants 24 to 36 inches apart. For earlier harvests, start seeds indoors under grow lights, and transplant after hardening off. Don’t let them become rootbound; don't disturb roots while transplanting. Choose a site with full sun and amend soil with compost before planting. Keep soil evenly moist for best germination and early seedling growth.

How to Grow

Maintain even moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Apply mulch to conserve water and control weeds. Feed with compost or organic fertilizer every few weeks. Provide good air circulation to prevent mildew. Harvest squash when they are 3–5 inches across for best flavor and to encourage continued fruiting throughout the season.

How to Save Seeds

Note that there are four different species of squash: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, and C. mixta. They will not cross pollinate with each other, so it is possible to grow one of each species for seed saving without worrying about cross pollination. If you are planning to save seeds from several varieties of the same species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.

  • Allow fruit to fully mature and harden on the plant before harvesting.
  • Cure the squash for 2–3 weeks in a dry, warm space to finish seed development.
  • Cut open the fruit and scoop out seeds.
  • Rinse seeds thoroughly to remove pulp and residue.
  • Spread seeds out to dry completely for 2–3 weeks in a well-ventilated area.
  • Store in a cool, dry, labeled container for future planting.

FAQ

Is Gelber Englischer Custard squash good for cooking?

Yes, its tender texture and subtle, nutty flavor make it excellent for grilling, roasting, and sautéing. Pick it young for the best taste and use it as you would zucchini or other summer squash.

Can I grow Gelber Englischer Custard squash in containers?

Yes, this bush-type squash is compact enough for large containers. Use a minimum 5-gallon pot with rich, well-draining soil and place it where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

How do I know when to harvest Gelber Englischer Custard squash?

Harvest when the fruits are about 3–5 inches across, bright yellow, and glossy. Frequent harvesting keeps plants productive and ensures the squash stays tender and flavorful.

Browse our full range of summer squash seeds.

Customer reviews

4.6 / 5 41 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Buttery, dense flesh: Creamy and nutty, never watery; great grilled, sauteed or raw.

  • A conversation piece: Odd, frilly lemon-yellow fruit that turns orange as it ages.

  • Steady producer: Keeps setting fruit all summer, with plenty to share.

  • Handles heat: Kept fruiting through 100-degree spells that stalled other squash.

  • Growing tips: Pick small and yellow; skin toughens once it turns orange.

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