Courgettes with Split Stems

[PercyThrowback]

I have about 10 courgette plants in pots and tubs that all have split stems. I grew them from new seed bought from B&Q early this year and after germinating them in the greenhouse I potted them on when they had about 5 or 6 leaves. At this stage the stems seemed ok and were a darker green than the plants.

About 2 weeks after potting on I noticed that the stems had started to split lengthways. The plants have now been planted out, into their final postions, and have flowers and friut on and seem to developing well.

I just can't understand why the stems split and the plants don't seem affected. Any ideas?

[JennieAtkinson]

Welcome to the Vine Percy! I'm sure someone soon will be along to answer your question. Not something i have had a problem with, so sorry I can't help you.

[xspye]

Mine have done this as well percy, some of them have split and others the stem seems to have collapsed. Some suggestions to the cause of this were over watering (I certainly didnt't under water!) or temperature fluctuations. Either of which is possble for me. But Having said that like yours they are flowering and begining to fruit so although they look like they are on deaths door they seem fine. I hope yours do well.

[momol]

Hi percy,

I had the same experience last year, but they seems to be ok and producing very well until... mildew get them...

Momol

[SueA]

Hi Percy, don't know if this is the case with yours but sometimes slugs or snails rasp a little bit off the sides of the stems when they are young & this can cause the stem to split a bit or just keel over, as long as the plants are still growing O.K. though I wouldn't worry about it. I remember this happening once to a cucmber plant of mine & I was so worried that I stuck masking tape around the stem to hold it together & propped the stem up with a small stick & it seemed to work!

[Kimbo]

Hi Percy, don't know if this is the case with yours but sometimes slugs or snails rasp a little bit off the sides of the stems when they are young & this can cause the stem to split a bit or just keel over, as long as the plants are still growing O.K. though I wouldn't worry about it. I remember this happening once to a cucmber plant of mine & I was so worried that I stuck masking tape around the stem to hold it together & propped the stem up with a small stick & it seemed to work!

I would agree with Sue,it could well be slugs or snails as I had the same happen to me

[Barry at Bristol]

Hi percy,
I have the same issue with mine as well also butter squash has gone the same way, I would go along with xspye suggestion of overwatering and flutuating temperatures let me know if you find the cause.

[Sue]

I had this happen to mine, before I even got them to the allotment so hopefully no slugs and snails in my kitchen. I had put it down to sowing them too early (when will I ever learn) and the stems rasping against the rim of the pot - they did get rather big.
Could have been the watering etc but it did seem to occur right where the stem leant over the pot rim
Sue

[PercyThrowback]

Thanks everyone for your ideas. It probably is due to over watering as last year I left them on the greenhouse staging where they very quickly became snail snacks! Not to be thwarted, this year I kept the pots standing in a large plastic tray (with other seedlings like toms and beans) and water would collect in the bottom so the over water theory does hold water so to speak!
I had my first courgette last night and it was tasty and went down a treat. The first of many I hope!

[xspye]

I had my first courgette last night and it was tasty and went down a treat. The first of many I hope!

you may regret that comment in a months time when you have so many courgettes you don't know what to do with them!!

[PercyThrowback]

You might be right xspye, I wonder if I could put them up on ebay or something. I could do the PC version and "encourage" the kids to try "just a little bit". I've found over the years that a little blackmail, or threat, goes a long way. Try the Veg or you're comming to Gardener's World again! It's worked so far, mind you they are 22 & 32 years old so it might be a bit difficult now.

[shirlthegirl43]

LOL. Agree totally with blackmail to get kids to do stuff!

Hello and welcome to the vine Percy. What else are you growing?

[PercyThrowback]

Hi Shirley,
I've already had radishes and lettuce etc out of the patch, and it is a patch between the shed and the hedge, measures about 8ft x 2ft. There are carrots and cabbage still growing. Saying that I've a number of plastic raised beds, pots, tubs etc on the patio with sprouts, courgettes, mange tout, french & dwarf beans and spuds, which are just about ready. the peas & beans are already in flower.

The greenhouse has the usual array of suspects such as Toms and Cukes and Peppers. She who must be obeyed went to the Newark Garden Show early this year and managed to get hold of some Black Tomato seeds so I sowed 5 of them but only 1 germinated so thats in the greenhouse along with 3 aubergine plants that I grew from seed, please excuse me Shirley while I move into smug mode. We went to Gardeners World on Saturday and ended up buying all sorts, as usual, but I got hold of a purple chilli pepper which might be interesting to try and taste.

I'm getting my grubby little mitts on an allotment plot so I'm researching all sorts of exotic things to try so I'm getting really exicted - the wife still thinks I'm sad but I suppose that goes with being married

[shirlthegirl43]

Well done you!! I only started growing stuff last year and I find it great fun. It is also soooo wonderful that you stick a pip in some mud and get something to eat (if nothing else eats it first) at the end. I have been really excited this week as my peas are flowering - first time I have actually gotten them to that stage - and there are 2 small pods forming! I also have raspberries and strawberries ripening - yummy!

[PercyThrowback]

Exactly - the feeling of getting a dormant seed to germinate and then eventually produce something to eat or admire is almost as good as - well eating chocolate! ok so I'm exagerating just a little but that's what us men do.

I've got to the stage that I walk around inspecting the "Troops" before I leave for work and checking them again as soon as I get back in. I worry that they'll be ok in this weather we're getting now. It's almost as if they are my children - at least they don't ask for money, borrow the car or sulk mind you they do stay out late drinking - lots of water!

It's a good jod that Matron will soon be round with my medication!