When do I know when to pick my summer squash off the vine?

Answer 1

Squash is ready to start picking approximately 50 to 55 days after planting or about 4-8 days after pollination (depending on the variety). You will need to harvest every other day as squash matures very fast.

Pick when tender. Summer squashes are usually eaten at immature stages, as opposed to the hard or winter types, which are eaten when the fruit is mature. Summer squash fruit is generally harvested when the rind is still tender and the seeds are immature. Care should be taken not to injure the soft skin. Pick elongated types, such as yellow and zucchini, when they are not more than 6 to 8 inches long. Over-mature fruit deepens in color and develops ridges. Scallop or patty pan types should be harvested when they are 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Do not leave overly mature squash on the vine because it will slow down the plant & can literally shut the plant down from producing.
Good luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You can pick it as soon as it looks the right size to eat. You can even pick it when the bloom is still on it... a good thing to do if you are getting too many squash to eat! These baby vegetables, steamed complete with the bloom, are a real gourmet item!

I would definitely pick them before they get more than 8 inches long. But if you have waited, or if one was hiding on you until it got much larger, don't worry. You can use large squash many ways. First, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds, because they very well might be mature and have hard shells. Then, you can grind them up for zucchini bread, which can be yellow squash bread. You can make a stuffing and bake them with it. They're delicious with a meat/bread or sausage/bread stuffing! They're also good slow cooked with tomatoes and eggplant and, if you like, peppers, plus some basil, oregano, olive oil, salt, pepper. mmmmmm!

Answer 3

You pick summer squash when it is young, about 4-5 inches total. If you leave it on the vines too long, they get fat, pulpy, and teh seeds are as big as footballs.

Answer 4

Pick it when it's still young. 4 to 6 inches is about right. If you let it get too large it will have more seeds and will taste bitter. I love eating it raw, dipped in a bit of dressing.

Answer 5

When it looks like the picture on the package.