Flowers on the end of squash fruit

Question

I am growing vining squash called Zucchino Rampicante. I have a squash that is 8. 5 inches long and the flower fell off today. Will my squash continue to grow? I know when they are small 2 inches and the flower falls off they die. I guess my questions is when is the flower supposed to fall off or is the flower supposed to stay on the fruit until you pick it,  otherwise the fruit will die?

Answer 1

The flower falling off is normal. It is only there as a receptor to the pollen. Once the fruit is pollinated, it has no use for the flower anymore and it is fine that it falls off.