squash blossoms
Will high temperatures like we've been having cause squash and melon plants to make only male blossoms? I usually see female blossoms only a few days after the male blooms appear but this year it's been weeks without females. Too late for this year but is there something I can do next year? Peggy
Linn County Oregon
3 Responses
Yes, that could well be a factor. We are getting females and squash here in Lane Co. pretty reliably now. I presume you have been checking the blossoms for sex. The second big factor is pollinators, but then you would see baby squash that don't fill out. if you allow the soil that your squash is planted in to get too dry, you will have an over-abundance of male flowers!. Our squash are slow starting this year, but we have high hope of zucchini boats.
Well, I have to agree that finding the right information can be difficult. By the way, the white inclusions are usually stinkbug damage, but white hard areas on the skin, esp. on the top which are then harder underneath are usually sunburn, often caused by pruning. Tomato fruits ripen best in the shade of the leaves. Weird, huh?
At least you know you are not alone as these have been frequent complaints among our gardeners. Thank you for your response. Blossom drop is always disappointing!