skip to main content

Growing from Seed

Can squash blossoms get damp-off?

12 years ago

In December, I did some germination testing of the seeds I collected last year. One squash plant was so strong and grew so rapidly that I didn't have the heart to throw it out. Even though it was the beginning of my winter.

So, I kept it and transplanted it and got my light set up going. It has been doing great. It is stocky, green, about two feet tall and has about 16-20 little blossoms on it.

But, two days ago I noticed one of the lower blossoms looked like it was damping off right in the middle of the blossom stem. Can damp off happen on a blossom or would it only happen on the main plant stem? This morning, I had to removed another blossom.

Thanks,

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

art33
12 years ago
Laurie,

Damping Off is a soil borne disease and, to the best of my knowledge, only occurs at the soil level. My guess would be that the blossoms on your squash plant are simply falling off because they aren't getting pollinated.

Squash have male and female blossoms on the same plant. The blossoms are open only during the morning hours of one day. It's during this time that pollen is transferred by bees (which of course you don't have). If no pollination takes place, the blossom will fall off within a few days.
Hope this is helpful,

Art
Related Professionals
New Mexico Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Forest City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Canton Landscape Contractors · Cordele Landscape Contractors · Manhattan Landscape Contractors · Palos Verdes Estates Landscape Contractors · Vacaville Landscape Contractors · 07920 Landscape Contractors · Mission Viejo Carpenters · Sugar Land Carpenters · Walker Carpenters · Park Ridge Fence Contractors · Peoria Fence Contractors · Walnut Fence Contractors · Lomita Fence Contractors

Related Stories

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Squash

By Marianne Lipanovich

Almost foolproof and with cheerful flowers, squash comes in a wide range of varieties to plant in spring

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

COLOR Color of the Week: Spring Blossom Yellow

By Jennifer Ott Design

Tired of winter yet? Bring on spring with our featured color of the week

MY HOUZZ My Houzz: With TLC, a Former Dutch Nursery Estate Blossoms

By Margot Hartford Photography

A family buys a run-down estate in the Netherlands and brings it back to life

GARDENING GUIDES Seeds or Seedlings? How to Get Your Garden Started

By Abundant City

Growing delicious herbs and vegetables starts with knowing your goals and when you want to plant

GARDENING GUIDES Get a Head Start on Planning Your Garden Even if It’s Snowing

By Marianne Lipanovich

Reviewing what you grew last year now will pay off when it’s time to head outside

CLOSETS Simple Ways to Get Your Closet Organized Right Now

By Tiffany Carboni

Streamline your clothing storage with strategies you can implement in a weekend

BATHROOM WORKBOOK 12 Ways to Get a Luxe Bathroom Look for Less

By Shana Ecker Home Stylist

Your budget bathroom can have a high-end feel with the right tile, stone, vanity and accessories

BATHROOM WORKBOOK How to Get Your Bathroom Vanity Lighting Right

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

Create a successful lighting plan with tips on where to mount fixtures and other design considerations

HOUSEKEEPING 7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Bedroom

By Laura Gaskill

Create a sanctuary where you can relax and dream without the nightmare of lurking messes

Sponsored

More Discussions

Potting mix recs, please

13

Need help growing Paulownia Tomentosa from seed.

20

Staghorn Sumac - Help with sprouting seeds

0

9

How long to keep heating mat on zinnas?

10