Chayote Squash in Bloom

Last year I planted two chayote squashes on a large, sturdy trellis. One died, and the other was so damaged by a cold windy rain that it didn't bear fruit. However, it did regrow last summer, and is now a huge plant. In midsummer, I planted two more plants. (The plants can set fruit without cross pollination, but having a second plant nearby will help.) Those plants are still far to young to bloom, but the older one has flowers. So we are on watch for a fertilized female flower.

There is a female flower. You can see the tiny squash behind it. They form singly or in pairs, on short stems.

And here is a stem of  male flowers. There are usually several male flowers on a long stem, separate from the female flowers. To get a fruit, you need a bee. There is a hive nearby, but will the bees come out? Will there be a sunny and warm enough day? One not too windy? I cross my fingers. 

These photos are a week or two old now. I shall shoot again this week and see if any fruits are filling out yet.

 

Comments

[TOM PASCUA]

I WAS WONDERING IF CHAYOTE NEED CROSS POLLINATION TO BEAR FRUIT? MY QUESTION WAS ANSWERED HERE " CHAYOTE SQUASH IN BLOOM", I WOULD PLANT COUPLE MORE THEN JUST TO BE IN THE SAFE SIDE...THNKX TOM

[Evan]

Hi

This is the second article I have read on your blog and find these pictures of chayote squashes pretty amazing. sorry about the one you lost to rains. I am an avid rose gardening person and love to compliment my roses with other flowers. Keep up the good work.