Back To Top Harvesting To get the best quality summer squash, harvest when they are small and tender. Pick most elongated varieties when they are less than 2 inches in diameter or 6 to 8 inches long. Harvest pattypan types when they are 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Do not allow summer squash to become large, hard and seedy. Remove the oversized squash and throw them away to maintain the yield potential of the plants.
Squash grows rapidly and is usually ready to pick within two to four days after flowering.
Although summer squash has both male and female flowers, only the female flowers produce fruits. Since the fruits are immature when harvested, they bruise easily. Handle with care and use immediately after picking. Some gardeners also pick the open blossoms before the fruit develops. These blossoms are a delicacy when dipped in a batter and fried.