squash question

14 years ago

Have any of you ever seen squash develop without the female flowers opening? These are early prolific straightneck. I have 1 plant out of 21 where this is occurring. It is very strange. The squash keeps growing with a closed flower on the end. The start of the flower goes around the entire circumference of the squash. Definitely strange. I'll post a pic when I figure out how to do that on this forum. I was thinking about pulling that one plant up? I wonder if there could be a chromosome abnormality with the plant or something.

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

Okiedawn OK Zone 7
14 years ago
Quailhunter,

I don't know that I've ever seen it happen, but some curcubits are known to be parthenocarpic at times, and therefore, do set fruit without pollination. If your squash truly has performed parthenocarpically and set fruit without pollination occurring, you'll know it because the resulting squash should be seedless (or have tiny non-functioning seeds) when mature.

And, when you say the squash keeps growing, I assume it doesn't get to a certain point and fall off like non-pollinated squash usually do?

When you harvest one and cut into it, if it has seeds, then pollination did occur and something malfunctioned after that point....like the flower failed to drop or something.

Dawn
Related Discussions
Squash Question and Soil Question
Q
Comments (4)
I have yet to get a successfully pollinated squash (summer, zuke, etc.). The boys and girls come out at different times, and since the blossoms last only 1 day, this isn't working out. I bought some bloom booster which I suspect may be a garden store marketing gimmick, but we'll see. Others have prolific amounts of zucchini and yellow squash at this point in the season...why am I having such a problem? Getting frustrated with this - it has been going on for a month now.... I would happily go out and pollinate them myself, if I could only get the male and female blossoms to produce at the same time! For those of you with tons of squash, what's your secret????
...See More
yellow squash questions
Q
Comments (9)
Hi Leisa, I have never experienced a "siamese squash" (that's what I call them) until this year. I'm not sure what causes it, but it's weird. You never mentioned what variety yellow squash you are growing or if it's straightneck or crooked neck, but I would say that if it is 6 inches long they should be ready to pick. That can depend on the variety though. As far as having a green tinge to them, you got me. My straightnecks and crooked necks are pretty much yellow from the get go. Once again, it may depend on your variety. Of course, you can always prepare one up and sample a tasting to see if it tastes right. Good luck, Tee Here's some pictures of my siamese squash: Here is a link that might be useful: Siamese squash
...See More
Butternut Squash Question- pics below
Q
Comments (8)
Since insect cross pollination is so easy and so common with squash if I had to bet on it I'd go with crossing. But honestly I think it is too soon to tell as they are still so young. Granted different shapes but that can be a result of so many other variables - things as simple as inconsistent soil moisture - that I wouldn't lay my money down yet. Dave
...See More
sugar loaf and honey boat squash questions
Q
Comments (2)
I was going to suggest the Vegetable gardening forum as the bast source of info since you are talking about growing, not preserving them. I've never grown Sugar Loaf but regularly grow Delicata but only for use as winter squash. We don't care for the taste when harvested early. But I don't find them any more pest prone than any of the other squash varieties. But then Butternut, IME, also has pest issues. Fortunately, their pests are easy to control with row covers. Dave
...See More

Related Stories

FARM YOUR YARD Houzz Call: Home Farmers, Show Us Your Edible Gardens

By Stacy Briscoe

We want to see where your tomatoes, summer squashes and beautiful berries are growing this summer

Full Story

KITCHEN DESIGN A Cook’s 6 Tips for Buying Kitchen Appliances

By Christine Tusher

An avid home chef answers tricky questions about choosing the right oven, stovetop, vent hood and more

Full Story

331

WALL TREATMENTS Pick the Right Paint Finish to Fit Your Style

By Laura Gaskill

The question of finish may be as crucial as color. See which of these 9 varieties suits your space — and budget

Full Story

EDIBLE GARDENS Garden BFFs? Why Your Vegetables Are Begging for Companion Plants

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Foster friendships among plants for protection from pests, pollination support and color camaraderie

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Essential Watering Tips for Your Edible Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

To give your edible plants just what they need, check out these guidelines for how, when and how much to water

Full Story

KITCHEN DESIGN 12 Rustic Touches That Add Warmth to a Kitchen

By Becky Harris

Exposed beams, chandeliers, farm tables or just a key accessory or two can bring some coziness to the heart of your home

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Easy Edibles for First-Time Gardeners

By Marianne Lipanovich

Focus on these beginner-friendly vegetables, herbs, beans and salad greens to start a home farm with little fuss

Full Story

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Feast Your Eyes on Edible Gardens

By Marianne Lipanovich

Gorgeous vegetables, solo or paired with ornamental flowers and grasses, make landscapes easy to swallow

Full Story

By Angela Flournoy

This 1-bedroom suite has everything a Texas mother and grandmother needs — including the best wake-up system money can't buy

Full Story

266

STORAGE Hat Storage: Don’t Get Bent Out of Shape

By Mary Jo Bowling

From boxes to hooks, we look at ways to keep your lid on straight in time for summer hat season

Full Story

squash question

Comment (1)

Okiedawn OK Zone 7

Related Discussions

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US