I have a Marina di Chioggia squash growing right now that has yet to produce a single fruit. The problem is that while the male flowers dutifully open every morning, the female flowers have remained tiny and closed-up. What could be causing this?
Some background info-- I'm in southern California-- Riverside to be exact-- where pretty much anything will grow. The only thing I can think of is that the veggie bed is not getting enough sunlight anymore. It's on the north side of my house, so its productive months are limited to June-August, when the sun angle is such that it receives plenty of light all day long. The bed is now shaded through the hottest periods of the day, though it still gets morning and late afternoon sun. I would suspect this was the whole problem, except that it doesn't explain why no fruit set during July or August!
Female squash flowers not opening
Aside from the shade problem when female and male flowers are open are pollinators present? If not you'll have to hand pollinate them. Temperature also plays a role in pollen viability.
There are definitely pollinators present-- I've watched many a bee visit the male flowers. The female flowers just never open. Should I try prying them open?
I'm stumped, never had this problem but haven't grown your variety either. Just out of curiosity I searched Google and behold I found the following string: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cornucop/msg0710233617406.html
Give it a look/see...
Thanks busterharrell-- it's nice knowing that I'm not the only one with this problem!