Expert: Mike Mascio - 7/10/2004

Question
Hi,
I live in Eastern Pa. This past spring I planted small (GREEN TYPE) Zuchinni plants. Now,.....these plants are HUGE. Tall, and huge green leaves! For about 6 weeks now I have been noticing several yellow flowers on these plants but as I speak, July 10th, there is NOT ONE zuchinni to mention. Can you please tell me why this is?
I never grew zuchinni before. Is there something wrong here? Or is it still too early for the zuchinni to start coming in?
Please let me know when you can!
Thanks!!

Answer
Tom, this is not unusual at this point in the growing season.  Zucchini, like all other squash, produce a flush of male flowers for the first few weeks.  By the second or third week of July, the female blossoms appear.  It is at this time that the bees can adequately pollinate the blossoms which will eventually produce the zucchini.

If this problem does not correct itself within the next ten days, you may not have enough bees in the area for good pollination.  You can attract them by interplanting bright annuals or perennials.  You can also hand-pollinate by using a small brush to gather pollen from the male blossoms, and then transfer the pollen over to the female blossom.  You can tell the difference because the female always has a small swelling right behind the yellow flower.

I hope this answered your question.  Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike