Is this a pollination problem?

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mickgene Linden, VA(Zone 6a) Jan 29, 2005

Every year I have planted zucchini, I have had the same problem - when they get to be almost the size of my thumb, the fruit start to shrivel from the blossom end first. Inside, there's a space through the center so that all of the seed lobes are separated from each other end-to-end. The only thing I've been able to figure is that it may be pollination. But my attempts at hand-pollination haven't solved the problem. I DO manage to harvest mature fruits but maybe only 30% of the female flowers result in mature fruit. I would appreciate your ideas on how to solve this. I think I may be the only person in the world who's not leaving zucchini on their neighbors' doorsteps in the middle of the night just to get rid of the surplus!LOL

Michele

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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jan 29, 2005

That does sound like a pollination problem. although not all the female zukes will make. the plant seems to sense how many it can support and abort the rest. I have never had to resort to hand pollination so I am no expert on that. Burpee sells a parthenocarpic zucchini called "Sure Thing" which sets fruit without pollination. Those with pollination problems might want to try it.

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mickgene Linden, VA(Zone 6a) Jan 29, 2005

Is there a reason you know of that zucchini should have more pollination difficulties than other Curcurbitae? It's the only one that I have trouble with in my tiny garden.

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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jan 29, 2005

No it should be about the same for other types of squash.

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mickgene Linden, VA(Zone 6a) Jan 30, 2005

Thanks Farmerd. I'll look for that self-fruitful variety.

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