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Post by aineo on Sept 12, 2013 10:58:44 GMT -5
This year is the first year I have grown winter squash and the first time I have attempted seed saving of any squash. The one I am growing is Musquee de Provence (Cucurbita moschata). I got a bit of a late start, but I think there is enough time for the squash to mature before frost, which is about a month away. However, I am having another problem. The leaves on the vines which have squash on them are dying. Most of the other vines seem fine, but the three vines containing the actual squash really look bad. My question is two fold. First, will the squash continue to be supported through the other vines? Second, will any seed be viable if it doesn't mature? Right now they are still green, though one has some slight orange beginning to show.
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Post by aineo on Sept 20, 2013 4:30:47 GMT -5
So, since I last wrote it has gotten significantly worse. All the vines are effectively dead. What I mean is there are no live leaves at all, though the vine is still green. I have provided links to pictures of the squash. I am totally ignorant about this. All the squash have some orange on them, most have very little though. Keeping in mind that seed saving is my ultimate goal with this years crop, I have two questions: 1) Should these squash continue to mature. As I understand it, since they have some color, they will continue to mature, even off the vine. 2) Should I leave these on the vine until frost even though the plant is dead. In other words, it seems to me it might be a benefit to let them suck every last bit of what they can out of the vine, but would I be better off going ahead and getting them into a cool place in the house? Sorry for such basic questions. I'm hoping I can use these for part of my seed next year, but I am now getting worried that it may not work out. Steve
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Post by mayz on Sept 20, 2013 5:44:19 GMT -5
sure they will continue to mature indoor. The green color should slowly disappear after several weeks.
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Post by littleminnie on Sept 20, 2013 10:45:37 GMT -5
Ditto. They turn tan and then a richer color as they store. Worth letting them sit for awhile.
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Post by aineo on Sept 20, 2013 13:50:42 GMT -5
Thanks!
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Post by raymondo on Sept 20, 2013 16:30:30 GMT -5
Ditto what the others have said. Squash will continue to ripen indoors. When I'm collecting for seed, I always keep them about a month before opening.
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Post by Drahkk on Sept 20, 2013 17:21:43 GMT -5
Same here. Even summer squash give more viable seed if left until fully ripe on the vine, then held on the shelf indoors for a month before opening. Since you're forced to harvest young the germ rate may not be 100%, but hold them until they're good and cured and you should get some good ones. Just choose thick, full-looking seeds and sow a few extra next spring and you should be OK.
MB
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Post by aineo on Sept 22, 2013 8:36:28 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice, everyone.
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