Q and A: False blossoms on zucchini and storing squash

False blossoms on zucchini

My neighbor planted zucchini squash, the plants have grown well, but are producing a lot of false blossoms and not very many squash. He asks me what could cause this, of course I did not know. As I explained to him I have not done any gardening in years and then it was only to help my mother in her garden. Any way I got to thinking about it, and said to myself why don’t you ask Jackie, maybe she will have a idea why or what is causing this problem. So I am asking, Jackie do you have any ideas or suggestion to eradicate this problem? If so I would be very interested in knowing, as I am sure other readers would.

Barney Wetmore
Ogden, Utah

This is often caused by a heat spell. Our summer squash did this, this summer, when we had a lengthy period of time with daytime temps in the nineties. Usually when the temperature cools down a little, the squash begin to set blossoms. — Jackie

Storing squash

How long can we store whole scallop and acorn squash? Where have you found that it stores the best? Or is it just better to can it?

Erik Reed
Aumsville, Oregon

Scallop, or Patty Pan, squash is really a summer squash, but mature squash will store for a month or two. Acorn squash is not a real good storage squash, but will usually keep for about 3-4 months. Squash likes warm, relatively dry conditions. I’ve had the best luck by storing my squash at about 60-65 degrees, out of the sun, right in the living areas of the house. Winter squash, such as Hubbard, Butternut and Hopi Pale Grey, store much longer — often up to a year or more; so if it’s storage ability you need, consider these squash next year. Canning is also an option, especially when your squash are nearing the end of their storage ability, but before they begin to spoil. — Jackie