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Non fruiting squash #266011

Asked July 29, 2015, 8:40 PM EDT

Have six zucchini  plants and bunch of acorn squash. All have many orange flowers but very little fruit. The zucchini produced only two fruits and two of the acorn also have just two fruits.  All the other acorn plants have no fruit. Just flowers.  Any reason anything I can do?

Clinton County Michigan

Expert Response

This is a common problem with squash and zucchini.  Both have separate male and female flowers and require insect pollination.  The female flower will have a "mini-fruit" at the base of the flower and the male flower does not.  The first flush of flowers is usually all male and the female flowers show up about a week later.  Both need to be present for proper fertilization.  If the female flower receives no pollen the "mini-fruit" shrivels and dies and falls off.  Lack of pollination is quite common.  Weather and insufficient bee activity can mean lack of fruit.  Hand pollination is probably the best solution.  Check out the following links for additional information:

Fruit Set Problems in Squash, Melons and Cucumbers

Squash Blossom Drop

Pollination Problems of Cucurbits

Pollination of Squash and Pumpkins

I hope this helps,

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2015, 12:38 AM EDT
Thank you for the response. Was very interesting to learn about plants having male and female flowers and how pollination   works.
Hand pollination sounds difficult since female flowers are receptive for only one day but will try doing it.
The Question Asker Replied August 05, 2015, 12:41 PM EDT

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