Comments on: Hand-Pollinating Zucchini Flowers http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/ An Australian family choosing to go green Tue, 08 May 2012 23:20:17 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Update from the Garden | she cooks, she gardens http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-66437 Update from the Garden | she cooks, she gardens Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:14:19 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-66437 <p>[...] Just a few days later I’ve come out to discover the zucchini’s are in flower. These two beauties are female flowers, you can tell they are ladies because they have little baby zucch’s growing at the bottom of the flower. They do need to be pollinated to make sure they turn into proper sized zucchini’s which requires a male flower. There was a male flower blooming when this photo was taken, but it’s just out of the shot. I watched in awe as a hard-working bee came along and took the pollen from the male flower and spread it on the lady. Nature really is pretty kickass hey? I grow some lavender next to the zucchini’s to encourage bees but if you don’t get any in your garden it is possible to pollinate the flowers by hand. Simply take a cotton bud and dip it into the male flower, gently remove some pollen from the male flower and very gently dab it on to the stigma of the lady flower. For more info (and some great photos) click here. [...]</p> [...] Just a few days later I’ve come out to discover the zucchini’s are in flower. These two beauties are female flowers, you can tell they are ladies because they have little baby zucch’s growing at the bottom of the flower. They do need to be pollinated to make sure they turn into proper sized zucchini’s which requires a male flower. There was a male flower blooming when this photo was taken, but it’s just out of the shot. I watched in awe as a hard-working bee came along and took the pollen from the male flower and spread it on the lady. Nature really is pretty kickass hey? I grow some lavender next to the zucchini’s to encourage bees but if you don’t get any in your garden it is possible to pollinate the flowers by hand. Simply take a cotton bud and dip it into the male flower, gently remove some pollen from the male flower and very gently dab it on to the stigma of the lady flower. For more info (and some great photos) click here. [...]

]]> By: Darren http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-60001 Darren Sat, 01 Oct 2011 03:05:36 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-60001 <p>@Brad: That's great news. It doesn't matter whether you use pollen from a different plant or not, since you just need pollen to trigger the fruit to grow and we pick them before they're mature. If you're going to keep the seeds to grow more, it may be better to use pollen from a different plant.</p> @Brad: That’s great news. It doesn’t matter whether you use pollen from a different plant or not, since you just need pollen to trigger the fruit to grow and we pick them before they’re mature. If you’re going to keep the seeds to grow more, it may be better to use pollen from a different plant.

]]> By: Bob Edmondson. http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-59987 Bob Edmondson. Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:27:30 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-59987 <p>Hi Darren,i did just fine with my zucchini.I have never seen a plant grow so fast,they got hit by hail so i cut off the leaves,they grew right back.Doing nothing different with them next year,just cutting back on a few plants.I had a barrow full and a half of Winter squash,i guess i am cutting back on these as well.Frost hit them all two weeks ago,so they are all done.Bob.</p> Hi Darren,i did just fine with my zucchini.I have never seen a plant grow so fast,they got hit by hail so i cut off the leaves,they grew right back.Doing nothing different with them next year,just cutting back on a few plants.I had a barrow full and a half of Winter squash,i guess i am cutting back on these as well.Frost hit them all two weeks ago,so they are all done.Bob.

]]> By: Darren http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-59966 Darren Fri, 30 Sep 2011 21:15:40 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-59966 <p>@Brad: That's great news. I'm wondering how Bob is getting on with the 60 plants he put in - hopefully he's not buried under a huge pile of zucchini! It doesn't matter whether you use pollen from a different plant or not, since you just need pollen to trigger the fruit to grow and we pick them before they're mature. If you're going to keep the seeds to grow more, it may be better to use pollen from a different plant.</p> @Brad: That’s great news. I’m wondering how Bob is getting on with the 60 plants he put in – hopefully he’s not buried under a huge pile of zucchini! It doesn’t matter whether you use pollen from a different plant or not, since you just need pollen to trigger the fruit to grow and we pick them before they’re mature. If you’re going to keep the seeds to grow more, it may be better to use pollen from a different plant.

]]> By: Brad in Canada http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-59695 Brad in Canada Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:11:56 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-59695 <p>Well folks it's late September and although I started very late hand pollinating,, it has worked wonders. The number of zuchs to hit the table have been enormous. At least 12 from 3 plants since I came to this site in August. Thanks you all very much for this info as I have passed it all around to other veggy gardiners in my group of friends. One last question,, Is it better to use the pollen from a different plant to pollinate or does it make any difference? Have a great winter and take care.</p> Well folks it’s late September and although I started very late hand pollinating,, it has worked wonders. The number of zuchs to hit the table have been enormous. At least 12 from 3 plants since I came to this site in August. Thanks you all very much for this info as I have passed it all around to other veggy gardiners in my group of friends. One last question,, Is it better to use the pollen from a different plant to pollinate or does it make any difference? Have a great winter and take care.

]]> By: Cheryl http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-53299 Cheryl Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:24:59 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-53299 <p>I live on the Frazer Coast near central queensland and it may interest you to know that no bee's have been sighted in the area for over 2 years and i know a few people who have gotten themselves australian bees who although a pleasure to work with (no stings) not much good for the vegie's we all hand pollinate around here</p> I live on the Frazer Coast near central queensland and it may interest you to know that no bee’s have been sighted in the area for over 2 years and i know a few people who have gotten themselves australian bees who although a pleasure to work with (no stings) not much good for the vegie’s we all hand pollinate around here

]]> By: Brad in Canada http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-52283 Brad in Canada Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:07:39 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-52283 <p>Thanks to all in this forum. I went out today and sorted them all out and did what you said. I will let you know whats happening. Felt kind of intrusive doing it but now I feel I should have a smoke,,,,</p> Thanks to all in this forum. I went out today and sorted them all out and did what you said. I will let you know whats happening. Felt kind of intrusive doing it but now I feel I should have a smoke,,,,

]]> By: Brenda http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-50735 Brenda Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:35:51 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-50735 <p>Omg thank you! I'm new to gardening and I almost cried when I saw all my beautiful little baby squashes and zucchinis rot and fall off. I thought I did something wrong, but it just turns out the bees are slacking. I have a bunch of flowers and as soon as I can catch them open, they're gettin' it on whether they want to or not.</p> Omg thank you! I’m new to gardening and I almost cried when I saw all my beautiful little baby squashes and zucchinis rot and fall off. I thought I did something wrong, but it just turns out the bees are slacking. I have a bunch of flowers and as soon as I can catch them open, they’re gettin’ it on whether they want to or not.

]]> By: Darren http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-50511 Darren Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:30:35 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-50511 <p>@Joelle: Good luck with the hand pollinating. It's really not that hard - I just do it in the morning when I'm out watering anyway. I'm sure you'll have more zucchini than you can eat soon enough!</p> @Joelle: Good luck with the hand pollinating. It’s really not that hard – I just do it in the morning when I’m out watering anyway. I’m sure you’ll have more zucchini than you can eat soon enough!

]]> By: Joelle http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-50459 Joelle Tue, 02 Aug 2011 03:39:24 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-50459 <p>Oh...I sure hope I can do the hand pollinating. My yard has no reason for bees, I am just trying to get things growing this year. I have a monstrous zucchini plant and I have had 4 buds fall off and one abort itself. I have read that that one was probably not pollintated good enough. We have had lots of rain lately, but others have been dropping zucchini by to me. I guess I started late. There are a ton of buds ready to bloom. I guess I will have to check things out. I have only seen a couple of bees. Wasps seem to like my yard instead. = (</p> Oh…I sure hope I can do the hand pollinating. My yard has no reason for bees, I am just trying to get things growing this year. I have a monstrous zucchini plant and I have had 4 buds fall off and one abort itself. I have read that that one was probably not pollintated good enough. We have had lots of rain lately, but others have been dropping zucchini by to me. I guess I started late. There are a ton of buds ready to bloom. I guess I will have to check things out. I have only seen a couple of bees. Wasps seem to like my yard instead. = (

]]> By: Darren http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-49679 Darren Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:59:09 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-49679 <p>@Jeannie: Good luck this year! And enjoy those frittered blossoms :-).</p> @Jeannie: Good luck this year! And enjoy those frittered blossoms :-) .

]]> By: Jeannie from Idaho http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-49643 Jeannie from Idaho Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:25:28 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-49643 <p>For the second year I have bought plants from a nursery since our growing season is pretty short. Both years I have not gotten any fruits on the zucchinis. So in desperation I decided to go to he web to see if I could find out anything about what the problem might be. I happened onto your site and was so delighted to find detailed pictures, and that other people were experiencing my problem. With the help of your pictures, I looked at my flowers and saw that they are all male. Thank you so much for all the information from you and others who responded with questions and answers.</p> <p>I will keep trying to find a female flower. For the males..."off with their heads!" LOL (I'm going to try some frittered squash blossoms.)</p> For the second year I have bought plants from a nursery since our growing season is pretty short. Both years I have not gotten any fruits on the zucchinis. So in desperation I decided to go to he web to see if I could find out anything about what the problem might be. I happened onto your site and was so delighted to find detailed pictures, and that other people were experiencing my problem. With the help of your pictures, I looked at my flowers and saw that they are all male. Thank you so much for all the information from you and others who responded with questions and answers.

I will keep trying to find a female flower. For the males…”off with their heads!” LOL (I’m going to try some frittered squash blossoms.)

]]> By: Darren http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-47024 Darren Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:37:17 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-47024 <p>@Corinne: No problem! It's sometimes helpful to start batches of plants a month or so apart, to ensure you get a good mix of male and female flowers. They seem to put out mostly male flowers early on, and then mostly female later in the life-cycle.</p> @Corinne: No problem! It’s sometimes helpful to start batches of plants a month or so apart, to ensure you get a good mix of male and female flowers. They seem to put out mostly male flowers early on, and then mostly female later in the life-cycle.

]]> By: corinne http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-47006 corinne Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:10:10 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-47006 <p>Thanks again Darren for answering my posting! I have been hand pollinating as you suggested and it seems to work, since I still haven't seen bees! Now my problem is mostly male flowers! It's all been fun though! Gives me something to wake up to early in the A.M.!!!</p> Thanks again Darren for answering my posting! I have been hand pollinating as you suggested and it seems to work, since I still haven’t seen bees! Now my problem is mostly male flowers! It’s all been fun though! Gives me something to wake up to early in the A.M.!!!

]]> By: Darren http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-46497 Darren Thu, 07 Jul 2011 22:37:00 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-46497 <p>@Bob: I think you're right, and you're very lucky to have so many people around Calgary that value bees. You're right about the herbicides/pesticides/fungicides - they're not targeted, and affect many unanticipated insects and other creatures.</p> @Bob: I think you’re right, and you’re very lucky to have so many people around Calgary that value bees. You’re right about the herbicides/pesticides/fungicides – they’re not targeted, and affect many unanticipated insects and other creatures.

]]> By: Bob Edmondson. http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-46473 Bob Edmondson. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:02:55 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-46473 <p>This has been an all round interesting site,to say the least.I have been trying to figure out why,in Calgary,we seem to have more bee's than most places,and i think i have the answer.Our Winters are very cold here and we do not have wild bee's that i have seen.All our bee's are kept in hive's and over-Wintered,then let out in the Spring.They are put,in different place in farmers fields,as many as 6 to 10 hive's in one corner.Also we have Home Bee Keepers who are keeping a hive in their back yard.They all belong to a bee keeping club that is growing in leaps and bounds.All i can say is,hat's off to them for doing this,They are helping gardeners all over Calgary.Now all we have to do i get people to at least cut down the use of Herbicides and Pesticides so we can keep all the bee's alive.</p> This has been an all round interesting site,to say the least.I have been trying to figure out why,in Calgary,we seem to have more bee’s than most places,and i think i have the answer.Our Winters are very cold here and we do not have wild bee’s that i have seen.All our bee’s are kept in hive’s and over-Wintered,then let out in the Spring.They are put,in different place in farmers fields,as many as 6 to 10 hive’s in one corner.Also we have Home Bee Keepers who are keeping a hive in their back yard.They all belong to a bee keeping club that is growing in leaps and bounds.All i can say is,hat’s off to them for doing this,They are helping gardeners all over Calgary.Now all we have to do i get people to at least cut down the use of Herbicides and Pesticides so we can keep all the bee’s alive.

]]> By: Darren http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-46391 Darren Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:18:50 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-46391 <p>@Sally: Glad to help!</p> @Sally: Glad to help!

]]> By: Darren http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-46389 Darren Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:17:58 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-46389 <p>@Peety: I leave the flowers on the females - if you pick the fruits young and small, you can leave the flowers attached and eat the lot. By the time they get larger, they shrivel up and drop off by themselves. Either way, I wouldn't pick the female flowers off the fruits for eating. The male flowers only seem to last for a day - if you go out first thing in the morning you should catch them open. You can probably trim the oldest leaves (those closest to the base of the plant), but don't prune the growing tips. You might also be able to train the 4 plants in different directions.</p> @Peety: I leave the flowers on the females – if you pick the fruits young and small, you can leave the flowers attached and eat the lot. By the time they get larger, they shrivel up and drop off by themselves. Either way, I wouldn’t pick the female flowers off the fruits for eating. The male flowers only seem to last for a day – if you go out first thing in the morning you should catch them open. You can probably trim the oldest leaves (those closest to the base of the plant), but don’t prune the growing tips. You might also be able to train the 4 plants in different directions.

]]> By: Sally http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-46319 Sally Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:49:16 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-46319 <p>I'm glad I clicked on this link when I googled "zucchini flowers". I've had poor results with zucchini-growing attempts the past few years and decided to try them in the greenhouse this year and possibly hand-pollinating. The photos of the male and female flowers was exactly what I was looking for.</p> <p>I am in Eagle River, Alaska - just north of Anchorage about 10 miles. I also live at about 2000 ft. elevation and everything here, from bushes and wildflowers to veggies is about 2 weeks behind those of closer to sea level. I have a short growing season and cooler temperatures as does Bob in Calgary, so I'll be looking him up on Facebook to see what other gardening tips he has to share that I might be able to use.</p> <p>Last year I had the zucchini in containers, but outside, and got some small fruits that eventually molded on the ends or shriveled up, but we also had a not-so-sunny summer in 2010, so I wasn't sure if that was the problem. It DOES seem like there are not as many bees around, though.</p> <p>So, thank you for your information and photos, and I appreciate others' comments as well.</p> I’m glad I clicked on this link when I googled “zucchini flowers”. I’ve had poor results with zucchini-growing attempts the past few years and decided to try them in the greenhouse this year and possibly hand-pollinating. The photos of the male and female flowers was exactly what I was looking for.

I am in Eagle River, Alaska – just north of Anchorage about 10 miles. I also live at about 2000 ft. elevation and everything here, from bushes and wildflowers to veggies is about 2 weeks behind those of closer to sea level. I have a short growing season and cooler temperatures as does Bob in Calgary, so I’ll be looking him up on Facebook to see what other gardening tips he has to share that I might be able to use.

Last year I had the zucchini in containers, but outside, and got some small fruits that eventually molded on the ends or shriveled up, but we also had a not-so-sunny summer in 2010, so I wasn’t sure if that was the problem. It DOES seem like there are not as many bees around, though.

So, thank you for your information and photos, and I appreciate others’ comments as well.

]]> By: Peety http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-46284 Peety Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:44:32 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-46284 <p>Hi Darren, thank you for some great insight! I was also wondering how soon the flowers on the female fall off (or can I pick them off once they start to shrivel and I see fruit developing)? Also how long do males and females open (one day only or a few at a time) because I seem to keep missing them unless I check every morning. As you might guess I'm thinking about frying the flowers but I am too worried about pulling them too soon!</p> <p>Lastly, whew, how much can I trim/cut the leaves? I read above about trimming them but I planted 4 plants about 1 foot from the other in a corner and they are extending way to much. Can I remove (many) of the big ones on the bottom? Thanks!</p> Hi Darren, thank you for some great insight! I was also wondering how soon the flowers on the female fall off (or can I pick them off once they start to shrivel and I see fruit developing)? Also how long do males and females open (one day only or a few at a time) because I seem to keep missing them unless I check every morning. As you might guess I’m thinking about frying the flowers but I am too worried about pulling them too soon!

Lastly, whew, how much can I trim/cut the leaves? I read above about trimming them but I planted 4 plants about 1 foot from the other in a corner and they are extending way to much. Can I remove (many) of the big ones on the bottom? Thanks!

]]> By: Darren http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-45912 Darren Sun, 03 Jul 2011 12:20:09 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-45912 <p>@Bob: Thanks! I'm really looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into the PDC. Your zucchinis sound delicious - can't wait until our season comes around now! One way I like them is to steam or lightly boil them, then toss them in melted butter and thyme. Beautiful.</p> @Bob: Thanks! I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into the PDC. Your zucchinis sound delicious – can’t wait until our season comes around now! One way I like them is to steam or lightly boil them, then toss them in melted butter and thyme. Beautiful.

]]> By: Bob Edmondson. http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-45729 Bob Edmondson. Sat, 02 Jul 2011 03:58:01 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-45729 <p>First if all Darren,congratulations on your PDC Scholarship,you will do well,you seem to help a lot of people.Second,i just have to tell you this,i picked my first zucchini this afternoon,4 nice thick one's about 8ins long.My wife sliced them and saute'd them with butter,a clove of garlic and a dash of soy sauce,and we had them as a side dish for supper.My daughter and her husband,my son and my wife and i really enjoyed them,there was nothing left.Now they can not wait for the next bunch to be ready.I find it nice that gardeners help one another,even though they live in different parts of the world.Thanks again,Bob.</p> First if all Darren,congratulations on your PDC Scholarship,you will do well,you seem to help a lot of people.Second,i just have to tell you this,i picked my first zucchini this afternoon,4 nice thick one’s about 8ins long.My wife sliced them and saute’d them with butter,a clove of garlic and a dash of soy sauce,and we had them as a side dish for supper.My daughter and her husband,my son and my wife and i really enjoyed them,there was nothing left.Now they can not wait for the next bunch to be ready.I find it nice that gardeners help one another,even though they live in different parts of the world.Thanks again,Bob.

]]> By: Darren http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-45633 Darren Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:37:15 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-45633 <p>@Bob: Thanks! I added your Facebook page to my account. I think you're onto a winner with the staggering - it really seems to help with many vegetables, but especially zucchini. I think you're going to be getting a lot of zucchini fruit from that many plants, but they're great for sharing with friends and neighbours!</p> @Bob: Thanks! I added your Facebook page to my account. I think you’re onto a winner with the staggering – it really seems to help with many vegetables, but especially zucchini. I think you’re going to be getting a lot of zucchini fruit from that many plants, but they’re great for sharing with friends and neighbours!

]]> By: Darren http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-45630 Darren Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:29:40 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-45630 <p>@Corinne: I'd go with hand pollinating just to be sure. It's simple, and takes very little time. Here in Jamberoo, zucchinis continue flowering and bearing fruit for 4-6 or more months! It depends how much sun they get and how protected they are. Their productivity drops off as they get older, so staggering your planting helps.</p> @Corinne: I’d go with hand pollinating just to be sure. It’s simple, and takes very little time. Here in Jamberoo, zucchinis continue flowering and bearing fruit for 4-6 or more months! It depends how much sun they get and how protected they are. Their productivity drops off as they get older, so staggering your planting helps.

]]> By: Darren http://green-change.com/2009/05/20/hand-pollinating-zucchini-flowers/#comment-45629 Darren Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:26:13 +0000 http://green-change.com/?p=829#comment-45629 <p>@Kerry: It doesn't get that cold here, so I've got no experience at all with that kind of problem. Hopefully the plants will recover as they put on more growth, and the male flowers will have proper pollen.</p> @Kerry: It doesn’t get that cold here, so I’ve got no experience at all with that kind of problem. Hopefully the plants will recover as they put on more growth, and the male flowers will have proper pollen.

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