Butternut squash

[Francey]

Its the first year we have planted butternut squash they look well enough and theres big flowers on them but no sign of any squash growing. I dont no if they can grow all male flowers i just dont know what the problem is, our friend hes planted them as well and seems to be having the same problem he started them all off and them he gave us 2 to put in our green house does anyone know what the problem could be or do we just have to be patient.

[rustylady]

Hi Francey, welcome to the Vine. How big are your butternuts? They do often produce all male flowers to start with, but the females should be along soon. Do you not have any open ground to grow them? The plants get quite large and will probably take over the greenhouse. By the way, if you add your location to your profile it will show up on your posts and helps no end when giving advice.

[Francey]

They are quite big now they are in big buckets would it harm them to move them outside now we do have some space to put them outside and thanks for the information we was a bit worried that nothing was going to happen we have an allotment in barnsley and we do all our growing there are they a good plant to grow every year?

[rustylady]

Don't suppose there's any way you could get them to the allotment and plant them in the ground?

[Florence Fennel]

RL's right Francey, they's stand a much better chance in the ground. You will get a crop in containers, but not nearly as many as you'd get if they have more space to grow. Welcome by the way!

[horticultural_hobbit]

Evening,

Our Gladys the BNS is in a grow bag, and currently has three bulbs behind the either withered or yet to open flower. There are bloke flowers, but there is a distinct lack of synchroncity. They seem to be like ships that pass each other in the night. I get all excited by the possibility of Gladys cropping, but I was advised by a sage grape that Gladys like all other BNS is a fickle creature. Gladys is an F1 hybrid, so that may be a contributing factor. She is quite triffid like and growing up rather than out. With the fertilisation, again, another sage grape has described the concept of assited pollination.

[Jelliebabe]

I think I polinated my squash with a courgette flower last year as the female flowers were open and no males! All the curcurbits are terrible for cross pollinating - good for this years fruit but you might get a cross breed oddity if you save the seed! I grew a BNS last year in a container and got 2 good sized fruit! not bad for a 1st attempt I thought!

[ginger ninger]

Firstly...welcome to the vine from another Barnsley lass. I'm from Lock Park area.

I've grown B.N.S in the past and have found they do much better in the ground. There also very rampant and tend to go a little wild.
It's been said somewhere on here that "The lady flowers come out only when they have there make-up on". Unlike the boy flowers who can get ready in 10 min's .

[socalsue]

I'm having a somewhat similar problem, only the flowers bloom and then die. I tried watering less or watering more. I don't know what the problem is. Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't know anything about male or female blooms. I'm a novice at this.
They are growing in a garden.
I'd appreciate any advice I can get.
Thank you.

[horticultural_hobbit]

Strange creatures....

The jury is well and truly out when it comes to Butternuts. Other than poo poo them completely, we do seem to like them.

This is the fun that I have had with Gladys so far....

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...its_58576.html

'Winter' Butternut Squash F1 - Horticulturalhobbit Wiki

I get awfully fussy!

[Two_Sheds]

I'd appreciate any advice I can get.

It's hard to know what to say ~ can you give more info? Your location is vital, that would help. BNS need a long hot summer to ripen, and I don't know about you, but we had our summer in April, and since then nothing but cloud, wind & rain

[oliveau]

They do need LOTS of room. At least 10' between plants. The squashes will appear in time.

[Two_Sheds]

10 foot is a bit OTT

[Florence Fennel]

I wouldn't be growing many at that rate! Have you got a meadow for your squash Oliveau?

[VirginVegGrower]

I wouldn't be growing many at that rate! Have you got a meadow for your squash Oliveau?

In France Central, I would guess so...don't mind me Oliveau, I'm only jealous! Would love a meadow anda home en France x VVG