The first 7 or 8 blossoms on my pattipan squash were all female and the blossoms fell off before they could be pollinated. They don't seem to be growing anymore but they're only about an inch and a half in diameter. I assume they won't grow anymore because of the lack of pollination- is that right? Are they okay to pick and eat? Thanks!
I like 'em best at that size, slathered with EVOO, and garlic and grilled.
Did you plant these in a hill with 3 more plants? That would give you a better chance of getting some male & female flowers together. Then the wind will pollinate. Do you get much wind where you are located?
It's been windy as heck down here (maybe you've seen the wild fires on the news), but ALL of the first flowers were female. The flowers wilted and fell off before any of the male ones opened. I have 6 hills of summer squash, two hills of this variety, and 4 plants in each hill. I just cut them open and they look fine. I'm about to throw them in a stir fry and we'll see how they taste. The squash that are on the plants now are growing larger, I guess since the male flowers are open now. BTW, I planted these guys from seed 36 days ago. They are SUPER early.
Squash are insect pollinated; provided you have female and mail flowers opening at the same time you should have pollination but if not, you can hand pollinate - see this link for the process (good for squash, melons and cukes): http://www.pollinator.com/squash.htm
Buster
I read the article, and that's it! I just ate "aborted" squash, but they were delish! I have male flowers open now, and lot of pollinators flitting about the squash, so it shouldn't be a problem from now on. The squash are g-star hybrid pattipan. I've never had this problem before, maybe something bred into them when they were hybrid-ized?
Hi Court you aren't far from me and yes it has been windy. I don't ever remember it being this bad do you? I mean its howling all the time. regarding the squash you can always hand pollinate too.
I don't recall it being this bad before, but I've only been in this part of TX for the last 5 years. I just hope it's not as hot or dry as the summer before last. GAH.
I just want my darn plants to behave. I have some yellow squash that are acting crazy now. Sigh.
