Quick take: Only plants within the same species can cross-pollinate one another. Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) and cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are not in the same genus or species so cannot cross-pollinate. Further, if cross-pollination happens you would see the result of the crossing not on the fruit this year but would see it in the seed produced inside the fruit. The seed would contain the genes of both parents. That seed if planted and grown would produce fruit with characteristics of both parents. If you used new seed purchased this year and are seeing abnormal coloring on the fruit, this disorder is most likely caused by a virus or disease.
The explanation:
Cross-pollination is only possible within the same species. (With scientific names the first name is the genus and the second is the species i.e. Genus species)
Summer squash, gourds, acorn squash and pumpkin are all the same species Cucurbita pepo
Winter squash is Curcurbita maxima
Watermelon is Citrullus lanatus
Cantaloupe/ honeydew is Cucumis melo
Cucumbers are Cucumis sativus.
Virus infection on cucurbits often results in bumps and changes in color that can be confused for cross-pollination issues as seen in the picture below.
Zucchini, Yellow Crookneck, Acorn, Spaghetti, Patty Pan, Delicata, Pumpkins and Gourds (except edible snake gourds) all may cross with each other. Butternut, Buttercup, Banana, Hubbard and Turban squashes may cross with each other.
Further, if cross-pollination happens you would see the result of the crossing not on the fruit this year but would see it in the seed produced inside the fruit. The seed would contain the genes of both parents. That seed if planted and grown would produce fruit with characteristics of both parents.
Different types of summer squash readily share pollen, so unless you plan to save seeds, you can grow one plant of each type – or another mix that matches your preferences – and get good pollination and fruit set.
Squash grow rapidly, especially in hot weather, and are usually ready to pick within 4 to 8 days after flowering. Although summer squash has both male and female flowers, only the female flowers produce fruits. Because the fruits are harvested when still immature, they bruise and scratch easily.
Your first line of defense in preventing cross-pollination between cucurbits is simple: space. In most cases, you'll need to separate plants within the same cultivar by at least a half-mile to prevent accidental breeding.
Avoid planting zucchini and summer squash with all other vining plants which include cucumbers and sweet potatoes as well as pumpkins, winter squashes, and melons.
In a nutshell, pollinated squash grow. Unpollinated squash don't! Once the squash blossom falls off of a squash, if your squash is unpollinated, the baby squash won't grow. It will start to become soft to the touch, yellowing and eventually shriveling up.
Zephyr is a hybrid that has new and novel coloring that resulted from some creative breeding techniques; it is a two-toned yellow summer squash that is approximately half green and half yellow. The lower half is always green and the upper half is always yellow.
If you aren't familiar, squash plants can grow HUGE. They are also heavy feeders, which means they hog all the nutrients in the soil they can find. Because of this, each plant will compete with one another for the nutrients they need if they are planted too close together.
Allow about two or three feet of space on either side of the row for the vines to spread. After emergence, thin seedlings to stand eight to 12 inches apart. A “hill” of three or four seeds sown close together is another way to plant squash in the garden. Allow five to six feet between hills.
Pinching squash blossoms refers to the practice of removing some of the flowers from the plant before they can develop into fruits. This technique is primarily used to promote better fruit development and higher yields.
The number of squash produced by a single plant can vary depending on several factors, including the variety of squash, growing conditions, and care provided. However, on average, a healthy and well-maintained squash plant can produce between 5 to 10 or more squash throughout its growing season.
For best growth and a big harvest, you'll also want to provide a steady source of nutrition by feeding squash plants with a continuous-release fertilizer like Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules, following label directions.
Zucchini is one of the three sister vegetables (beans, corn, and squash) meaning that they all grow well together. When planting zucchini and other squash, keep in mind that they are "heavy feeders" and require more nutrients than most plants.
I got 12 ripe zucchetti (most of which kept until last May) and quite a few that I used like zucchini. All off of one plant. The cross of spaghetti squash and zucchini seems to be exceptionally productive. It also seemed to be immune to squash bugs, although that might just be because it was started earlier.
Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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