female courgette flowers

[chilli_grower]

I have a couple of small courgettes forming, which have massive flower buds at the ends of them, that look like they are going to open very soon.

But the male flowers (there are several of them), are very small.

My question is, once the female flower opens, how long will it remain open to allow pollenation to take place?

a day? two days?

And assumingly if pollination does not take place, the small courgette will just rot away?

Thank you

[Snadger]

Yes, yes and yes!...............................probably!

[chilli_grower]

wow, doesn't give much chance for pollination then!

I hope the males hurry up!

[veggiechicken]

There'll be more males along, don't worry
Snadger, could you take CG aside and have a word with him about the birds, bees and courgettes please - I'm too shy

[chilli_grower]

I think I am starting to understand VC!!!

[veggiechicken]

What a relief! You know you may have to give them a helping hand then

[chilli_grower]

yes I know VC, I just checked and the female flower is now in full bloom, and it looks AWESOME!!!

But the males are lagging behind, so this one will probably go unpollinated.

[veggiechicken]

Sounds like typical male behaviour They'll catch up

[Snadger]

You can eat the flowers as well, though I've never tried them. Dipped in batter and deep fried I think?

[veggiechicken]

You can eat them raw - they're quite sweet. Or stuffed with rice and herbs - or fried. Its a good way to use the males after they've done the biz!

[Veggiefirsttimer]

I can't wait to try a courgette flower! Will try all of the above recipes ;-)

[chilli_grower]

are the male flowers the same size as the females?

As this female I have is massive!

[RedThorn]

Don't tell her that! You're liable up get something thrown at ya!

The male flowers can be a bit smaller early on in the flowering but no real significant difference that I remember.

[veggiechicken]

I think the females have bigger bums than the males

[bearded bloke]

are the male flowers the same size as the females?

As this female I have is massive!

Here's one I posted in another thread ......... http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ml#post1122733