No males close to opening. The males are at the bottom of the plant, the girls the top. It's a mix called Pattison Strie, striped patty pan type. Sigh. There are these cute little squashes, but when there flowers open there won't be any males to help them complete their growth.:(.
I'm considering handpollinating with the blossoms from the zucchini that look as if they may open at about the same time. Should do the job, and I won't be saving those seeds.
Any reason that wouldn't work?
Should I just saute them as blossoms?
First squash blossoms female
Teenage mutant squashes!!! I like it!
Gee, margo - tough call. Are there enough to get a good serving of fried squash blossoms? I never seem to get enough at one time to be worth the bother, but if there are - dang! What time is cocktail hour??? I'd sure like that!
On the other hand, you kinow me...I LOVE a good experiment. I think I'd have to try to hand pollinate at least one or two!!!
*G*. I did. There were only two girls, and two boys, so I sacrificed the guys, and their petals are laying around the bale. This morning the little girls have doubled in size (which still isn't very big) so I'm hopeful. It looks like a good year for squash (knock on wood). And for other garden treasures. So good that i'll be scoping out the Farmer's Market this weekend. And I found a scale at a yard sale for two bucks:)
That rocks! And I love the optimism! Is this the best time of year, or what???
This message was edited Jun 7, 2010 5:39 PM
LOL ! Please remember me this way, when you are listening to me whining about all my issues later on.
Yes, for now, my rose-colored glasses are just the thing.
Sequee, I thought about your comments last night, as I AGAIN found myself in the garden. The nice weather goes back to boiling in a day or so, so I just seem to want to be there while I can.
Anyway, I think you're right. At this point, theplants are still behaving in a genteel manner. They are still somewhat contained, and the weeds are somewhat under control.
That won't last *G*. I'll take pictures today, so I can remember this time. Especially in August when I need a machete to even find the stuff hidng in The Jungle. Biggest problem will be that I have to be away for 10 days at the end of July, and it will be totally out of control when I get back, I know.
But just call me Scarlett. I'll think about that, tomorrow...
Oh, and the squashes are growing nicely :) Sacrificed another male (why do I so enjoy saying that??) this morning, I think this was Woods Early, but have to check my map. The Zucchino Rampicante is all over the place, and the tiny fruits well in evidence, even tho not even close to blooming. The big advantage to them is that the fruits are 5-6 inches long before they even flower, so make a great presentation sauted with blossom attached :)
I did the same thing last night. It wasn't the night I needed to water, and only the peas are ready for plucking, and I did a major haul the night before, but the front is here, and it just felt so darned good to be out there. I picked another small baggie of snow peas, then pulled up a Soloist Cabbage. I managed to let the get too big and they flowered, so I decided I should yank one out for dinner. OMG!!! Even though they didn't head, they were awesome! I'd stopped at the seafood shop and bought a few scallops and some shrimp, and I had a mixed a pack of mushrooms, so I sauteed the seafood in garlic butter, then added a ton a of mushrooms...then a little white wine and the Chinese Cabbage, then about 3 minutes tossdin a ton of snow peas. I'd made a pot of Quinoa the night before so that made a wonderful base for the dish - and I was in hog heaven!
Hmm. Going by a place today that had fresh seafood, and it IS pea-picking night...
Will have to buy my cabbage though, I saw your post about it, and it's now (yes, you did it AGAIN) on my "list"....
Well, since mine is flowering, I think I will leave one to go to seed - which I will happily share. It certainly is tasty!
Sigh. Couldn't find any scallops, and no cabbage that looked even remotely edible. I'll just have to suffer thru....
On a positive (on topic) note, I am now inundated with male squash blossoms and a few girls :). I did hand pollinate one yesterday, but since the bee-like-things are present this morning, I'll leave it to them for the moment. I ahve two that should be ready tomorrow os so, so
WE'RE OFF!!
Mine are sooooo way off! Just peas and nearly spent cabbage at the moment.
But it will come. My peas (what few I had due to my procrastination) are just about cooked, as is my lettuce.....sniff....
To every thing, turn, turn, turn...
*G*
Then again, I could send you some squash. I do know where you live :) Ain't Flat Rate grand???