Butternut squash not germinating :(

[deezyb]

hi - tried F1 Cobnut last year, without success. Not sure if I didn't have enough plants to ensure pollination (do I need more than 2?). However, this year, from the same seed packet, have planted 6 seeds, and not a thing happening! Been in the compost for about 4 weeks now! Frustrated totally as bought butternut last night to make soup and they were awful...dry and dirty looking inside, so desperate to grow my own! Any clues? Also for info...just checked them and it looks like there is a from of fungii growing also, they do look like mini mushrooms?

[Alice]

Hello Deezyb, I've never had a problem germinating squash. I just put 1 seed in a 3" pot - standing on its side, not lying flat, in damp compost, put the pot in a freezer bag clipped closed , put in a reasonably warm place and they come up in a few days. I haven't planted mine yet for this year but will do so in the next few days.

[deezyb]

hi alice...i know I'm a bit early this year, but was thinking I'd get a head start on the poor seedlings and plants I got last year. think I may well have a trip to forfar tomorrow to get some fresh seeds to sow!

any clues on the fungi?

[Eyren]

I would say you were being a bit optimistic - I don't usually sow my courgettes and so on until April, and you've had yours in since the beginning of March...

Also, sounds like you need fresh compost if you're getting fungus on there - if it's stale and mould-prone, your seeds may have rotted.

[queen of the cobs]

I think that cucurbs (courgettes, squash etc) need quite a high temperature to germinate and to grow - over 20 degrees I would say - remember squash come from South America. I keep mine in the greenhouse and don't even plant out till end of May when you are more sure of the sun.

Where have you planted it? In a (heated) greenhouse? On your windowsill? Try again in a month when it's warmer. I sympathisae though, I've been wanting to get things started off and this weather is just so frustrating!

[momol]

I lost 2 seeds because of fungi too, the squash seeds has germinated when the fungi attacted it (the shell were infected while still covering the cotyledon). Despite giving them new compost and sufficient moist, the fungi can still attact them. I really has no idea, Deezyb.
I read it somewhere, seeds can bring fungi too (I am not saying it is from the seeds but it is possible).
Most of my squashes seeds germinated without any problem, lost 2 out of 25 seeds.
Try to germinate more seeds in new compost, set the seeds on it's side and not at the centre of the pot, don't over water (keep it moist), cover it slightly (to prevent too humid build up which will lead to fungus growing) and set them somewhere warm.
All the best .

[Finedon.Dandy]

Both myself and my father in law have had trouble getting butternut squash to germinate in the past too. Last year we had our first success but the plants didnt fruit in time before weather changed. Am determined this year - am considering growing in my conservatory although am worried it may just be too hot in there. Good luck.

Tammy

[Cutecumber]

I agree - warmth is what they need to germinate. Not too much moisture, but definitely a little warmth.

Just like us, really

[francesbean]

Have you tried Avalon (F1). I did last year, didnt sow until lateish april,and even though they were slow to start they soon romped away and were delicious. I only tried a couple of seeds, so didnt have any to store, but seed packet says they store for up to 6 months. So if you harvest late september youll still be eating them in March.

They're on my list of goodies for this year too.