Why isn’t my zucchini producing zucchini?

Question

I have two hills of three plants each. None of them are producing a squash, just flowers on long stems. If it is true that there are male and female plants, I apparently, for the second year, planted ALL males! Am I fertilizing them with too much nitrogen, preventing fruit set? I only used Miracle Grow granules when they were about four inches high.

Answer 1

Zuchinni produce male and female flowers. The big flowers on long stems are male ones. The female flowers are attached to what look like small zuchinnis and quite a bit smaller. Make sure the plants are not stressed and the ph is not to high. A high ph will keep phosphorus from being available and it is necessary for production.

Answer 2

The flowers dropping off is typical behavior for a squash plant. They will produce mostly male (non-fruiting) blossoms early in the season and will gradually start to produce more female blossoms as the season progresses.

If you do not see fruiting or if they drop off early, you may need to hand pollinatethe plants. These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/pollinate-squash-by-hand.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/female-male-squash-blossoms.htm