No different from any other summer squash. The older varieties tend to lead with male flowers. newer hybrids start female flowers early and abundantly. If by Patty Pan you mean the old White Bush Scallop, patience. It normally is a pretty good producer. You try one of the dozens of newer pattypans (scallops), if that one does not pan out for you.
{{gwi:83979}}

Leisa, patty pan squash flowers are great cooked. You can make blossom fritters (dip in batter and fry) for a simple lunch/snack. You can also stuff it with mozzarella cheese and then dip it in batter and fry. Personally I think the flowers are even tastier than the squash. :) I am not far from MD and how about this weather? Is this what gardening is like in CA? No rain and sunshine all the time?

That would depend on which part of CA you're gardening in. ;) From where I am, you can go 20 miles north or south and have a 20 degree difference and a totally different micro-climate.

Thanks! I will be patient :)

This weather -- UGH! I can't remember a summer like this. I'm struggling to keep things alive! And I have asthma, so this high heat is actually painful :( and it's hard to do things outside. I'm ready for some thunderstorms...