What's wrong with my zucchini?
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They are an odd shape, and some turn yellow at the ends. They are also kind of ribbed. What's wrong with them? I usually don't have a problem growing them, and this year, when I only planted one planted so I wouldn't be over run with them, the plant is odd. Any suggestions???
Whats wrong with my zucchini?
25 answers
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Zucchini is bad to cross with other plants around it? Did you plant something close by that it could have cross pollinated? One year I planted yellow squash next to my zucchini and they mixed. Still good, but they were yellow and green.
Donna Byram
on Jul 10, 2014
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I have found that the zucchini bush is great to plant. no running vines and great zucchini. Sorry I can not help with problem.
Jennifer Wiggins
on Jul 11, 2014
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It is probably a pollination issue, as Donna suggest. See: http://plantanswers.com/vegetable_shapes_gallery.htm
Douglas Hunt
on Jul 11, 2014
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A pollination issue is what I was thinking since I've noticed a lack of bees in the garden.
Madeline Miller
on Jul 11, 2014
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I had problems with my zucchini for the past few years, the garden center told my the soil needs more bone meal. Also, don't plant in the same place. Rotate.
Julie
on Jul 11, 2014
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Thanks Julie. Mine was planted in a brand new raised bed. Although i did put soil amendment in it, maybe bone meal is just what it needs.
Madeline Miller
on Jul 11, 2014
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Donna, I only planted tomatoes and eggplant in the same box. The same thing I plant every year. I think it's a polliniation problem.
Madeline Miller
on Jul 11, 2014
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I showed my green guy hubby this. As he examined the zucchini, he said the blossom end is nice and full and the other end skinny is that later in growing it lacked enough water. He believes it looks like a watering problem.
Kay
on Jul 12, 2014
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It appears it is a watering problem. The plastic around the plant is not allowing enough water to the roots.
Margaret Dick
on Jul 12, 2014
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I have yellow squash planted next to my zucchini and they have never cross pollinated. I do not pick any veggie off the vine until late at night. If I pick when the sun is high seems like the plant wants to die
Delores Snellen
on Jul 12, 2014
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Hmmmmmm....don't you need more than one plant to pollinate? Did you put any "chemicals" on your lawn nearby that would keep the honey bees away so they could help with pollination? My husband was told you need to "rotate" where you plant your zucchini...do not plant in the same area/soil...rotate.
JBug
on Jul 12, 2014
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I believe only one plant is necessary. Flower to flower on the same plant does it. i've hand pollinated cucumbers before, but i never find two flowers open long enough to do that on the zucchini.
Madeline Miller
on Jul 12, 2014
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I don't think that's the problem Margaret. Each plant had quite a bit of space around it before the plastic, plus each plant in the box has it's own dripper on it. It drips right by the base of the plant, so I know it's getting enough water. I also test each plant with a tester.
Madeline Miller
on Jul 12, 2014
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Cross pollination would only be a problem if you were saving seeds and replanting them. It wouldn't effect the current crop. Madeline is correct you only need one plant. Squash has both male and female flowers, ever notice how some don't flowers don't fruit? The answer is in the leaves. You've got some kind of fungus or blight.
Mrs. C
on Jul 12, 2014
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Mrs. C, those dried up leaves you see are leaves that blew off the peach tree when it was windy one day. They aren't part of the zucchini plant. The leaves on the plant itself look fine except where the wind damaged some. Thanks for responding though,
Madeline Miller
on Jul 12, 2014
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When they turn yellow on the tip it is inadequate pollination. If it is really hot and dry the plants will produce weird shaped fruit. It needs consistent moisture and plenty of hummus and minerals too. Try working in a little rock dust and water with some fish emulsion fertilizer or compost tea mixed in several times a month.
Lisa L
on Jul 12, 2014
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Oh, I just noticed it is the stem tip that is yellow on yours. I'd it's a pollination problem it yellows and rots on the blossom end. Maybe it is too constantly wet and the roots can't breathe. They are big fast-growing plants and need lots of nutrients and water, but they also need air to the roots. Also the black plastic gets hot in the summer sun and could be over-heating the roots. Spread a little straw or dead leaves over it to shade it around the plant.
Lisa L
on Jul 12, 2014
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Some varieties of zucchini are ribbed, others are smooth and dark green.
Lisa L
on Jul 12, 2014
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Lack of Bees are becoming a huge problem!
Debra Hayward
on Jul 12, 2014
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Add some eggshell to the soil.
Amy Ledesma
on Jul 13, 2014
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Lack of pollination. If there are no Bee's around then sorry you have to do the job yourself. Male flower into female flower ( just look at the flower's and you will soon see)
Cameron Harman
on Jul 13, 2014
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I have had the same problem over the last few years. The tip with the flower on it will continue to turn yellow and the whole thing will end up going rotten. Since I have been pollinating myself no more problem's
Cameron Harman
on Jul 13, 2014
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http://qctimes.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/despite-reputation-zucchini-plants-don-t-always-produce/article_8805aba8-c9c0-5862-9d95-fc0cb5b71a2b.html
John Reilly
on Jul 13, 2014
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Thanks @John Reilly for this GREAT information.
JBug
on Jul 14, 2014
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Cross pollination. Do you have them planted near your cucumbers or squash??
Alice
on Jul 14, 2014
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