Description

Gelber Englischer Custard Squash Seeds (Cucurbita pepo) – The Bizarre Lemon-Yellow Novelty Gem

Add a splash of sunny eccentricity to your garden with Gelber Englischer Custard Squash, a rare German heirloom scallop (patty pan) variety that’s as delicious as it is delightfully strange! This unique novelty produces flattened, UFO-shaped fruits in a brilliant clear lemon yellow—impossible to describe and impossible to ignore. The flavor is incredible: sweet, nutty, and buttery with a delicate custard-like texture that makes it a kitchen favorite. Perfect for roasting, steaming, stuffing, or eating fresh, these squash bring gourmet flair to any dish.

Compact bush plants stay tidy (ideal for smaller gardens or containers) and pump out fruits over a long season when kept picked. Originally from Gatersleben, Germany, and featured in Amy Goldman’s classic The Compleat Squash, this variety matures to a glowing orange when fully ripe. Thrives in cooler climates like our Nova Scotia farm and the Pacific Northwest—proof that extraordinary squash can grow anywhere with a little love!

• Unmatched Visual Drama – Flattened, lemon-yellow fruits with scalloped edges; mature to orange for a stunning color shift
• Superb Flavor & Texture – Sweet, nutty, custard-like flesh—perfect for roasting, soups, or fresh eating
• Prolific Bush Habit – Compact plants yield abundantly over weeks; great for small spaces or succession planting
• Cool-Climate Champion – Reliable performer in shorter seasons; recommended for Northern gardeners
• Collector’s Heirloom – Rare German variety with history and beauty—ideal for novelty enthusiasts and foodies
• Plant Type: Annual
• Growth Habit: Bush
• Sprouts: 5–10 days
• Days to Maturity: 50–60 days
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Seed Depth: 1 inch
• Plant Spacing: 24–36 inches
• Ideal Temperature: 70–95°F
• Frost Hardy: No

Growing Tips, Tricks, and FAQs

Growing Tips

Gelber Englischer Custard is a rare yellow scallop squash with delicate, nutty flavor and ornamental appeal. This compact bush plant suits smaller gardens perfectly. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture and full sun. Harvest frequently when fruits are young (3–5 inches across) to encourage heavy production and the tenderest, most flavorful squash.

When to Grow

Direct sow after your last spring frost when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F. For earlier harvests in cooler regions like Nova Scotia, start seeds indoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost and transplant once nights stay warm. Not sure about your frost dates? Check our blog post “Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources” for guidance.

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds directly in warm soil 1 inch deep, spacing plants 24–36 inches apart. For a head start, begin indoors under grow lights and transplant carefully after hardening off—avoid disturbing roots. Choose a sunny spot, amend with compost, and keep soil evenly moist during germination and early growth.

How to Grow

Keep soil consistently moist (especially during flowering and fruit set) without waterlogging. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed lightly with organic compost or fertilizer every few weeks. Good air circulation helps prevent powdery mildew. Harvest when fruits are 3–5 inches across for peak flavor and to keep plants producing all season.