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Re: nasturtiums and squash

> Speaking of nasturtiums , how long do they take to flower? I planted
> some in my winter garden in Miami, Florida back in november. They
> have grown but not flowered. A neighbor told me she couldn't grow
> them. I don't want to buy into her experience, but I am a little
> nervous. We have temps ranging from 50-85 in the day and no colder
> than 40 at night. Most of the winter has been very mild with temps in
> the 70s and 80s and 50-60s at night. It has been so nice that my
> eggplant is starting to flower. My tomatoes are doing great but my
> summer squash is not doing very well. Perhaps I should fertilize
> more? It sets flowers and then the flower dies off.

> I appreciate any advice on nasturtiums and squash. I love squash and
> obviously have to improve what I am doing. I do water plenty. I
> suspect my plants need manure. We  have plenty of sun.
>
>
Hi Mary Ann -

Sorry this post is a little delayed, but I'm a little behind on
e:mail.  I grew nasturtiums this year too.  I planted seeds in
April or so when I put out my tomatoes (2 months late for me).
They did not start flowering until the weather cooled off in
November or so.  They are now flowering well.  In another patch,
however they are not flowering anymore.  I believe this is due
to the fact that they only get about 4 hours of sun.  They're on
the north side of my house.  In the summer, this area is full
sun.

Also, nasturtiums like poor soil.  It's probably not a good idea
to have them in the same area as other nutrient needy crops
like corn, squash etc.  I read in a seed catalog the other day
that all squash at first will just produce male flowers, which
will wither and die (because there aren't female around for
pollination).  After this first flush of flowers, both female and
males will be produced.

My favorite squash is Sunburst.  It's a yellow paty pan (round)
type squash.  Its flavor is superior to any other summer squash
I have tried.  Crookneck and zucchini's seem bland and
watery in comparison.   The skin is thin and tender (I don't even
skin it) and the flesh is wonderfully buttery tasting.  I grew it
in a square foot garden, but even though it's a bush plant,
it took up about 4 feet square for 2 plants.  I always overcrowd
my sq ft gardens too.  I figure it's easier to pull things out than
have to wait for more seeds to grow.

Also grew Zucchetta Rampicante last year - a vining zucchini
from England that produced light green long and curved fruit.
Very interesting looking and tasty.  Very vigorous grower too.
Kim Kiernan
kimk@pacbell.net
Laguna Hills, So. California

zone 9, Sunset zone 22/23
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