I have several squash plants and they have really taken off this summer. The problem is that they have yet to bear any squash!!! They bloom and bloom and bloom but never fruit! I know that with tomatoes water can be a big issue if there is a lack of water or non-regular waterings. But, that shouldn;t be an issue as we time the watering every day - and my tomatoes have done great! Does squash need bee pollination? Fertilizer? What? I have gorgeous plants, but want some squash for dinner!!!! Any ideas/suggestions?? Thanks

I was wondering the same thing. Everything else in the garden is great. My squash aren't producing at all!

I found the answer! I'm gonna be in the garden with a paintbrush tomorrow morning!!!

5. Q. Why won't my squash set fruit -- they bloom and the blooms fall off?


A. Squash have male and female blossoms on the same plant (monoecious). The male blossom is borne on a slender stalk. The female blossom has the swollen embryonic fruit attached at its base. The blossoms of both sexes are open and fertile only during the morning hours of one day. During this time pollen must be transferred by bees or by a person using an artists paint brush or Q-Tip, the female blossom will close without being fertilized, the squash will not enlarge and in a few days it will drop from the plant to the ground. The male blossom may open a second day, but the pollen will no longer be fertile and the blossom will close, wilt and drop from the plant that day or the next. There are many more male blossoms than female blossoms on a squash plant. There may be 3 to 4 male blossoms opening for several days to a week before the first female blossoms open.

Guess I will have to give this a try - thanks!!!

Well, I think all my blooms this morning were male, but I took a brush to every bloom and just went crazy on the pollin swapping. I'll try again tomorrow - I want me some squash!!!