Topic: Squashes

[Tiny Clanger]

I put butternut squash in pots to start weeks ago - no sign of germination yet.  Should I have another go using the propagator this time.  Also courgettes have not shown yet in the greenhouse.  Still too cold?

[Paulines7]

I put butternut squash in pots to start weeks ago - no sign of germination yet.  Should I have another go using the propagator this time.  Also courgettes have not shown yet in the greenhouse.  Still too cold?

I would plant some more squash and courgettes.  I find it can be hit and miss with these seeds especially if the packets are older. 

You could start them off wrapped in damp kitchen paper, put in a sandwich bag or small plastic food containers and placed in an airing cupboard.

[galina]

They certainly start better in a propagator.  If you can transfer those pots that don't show any signs of germination to somewhere warmer, that would be good.  Either in the propagator or the airing cupboard etc.
 
By the way, light is not necessary for germination.  But once the seedlings have come up they need good light. 

For new seeds, either put them into the heated propagator.  Or follow Pauline7's suggestions.  A Chinese plastic food container with a sheet of toilet paper dampened, seeds on top and labelled, the lid closed and off to a warm place.  You need to inspect daily and plant any that have germinated into pots in good light and still as warm as you can manage.

Good luck, and don't give up on your first sowing yet - a week is not a long time.  If they are still going to germinate, they will do so quicker in warmth. 

[Paulines7]

Good luck, and don't give up on your first sowing yet - a week is not a long time.  If they are still going to germinate, they will do so quicker in warmth. 

Galina, when I read Tiny Clanger's post, I thought that the seeds had only been in for a week but on reading it again, I noticed that they had been in for a while as Tiny Clanger had written "I put butternut squash in pots to start weeks ago".

I think the only way is to start again and perhaps leave the ones that haven't propagated to see if they come up as a bonus.

[galina]

You are right Pauline - off to make that specsaver's appointment ?    

Good luck, and don't give up on your first sowing yet - a week is not a long time.  If they are still going to germinate, they will do so quicker in warmth. 

Galina, when I read Tiny Clanger's post, I thought that the seeds had only been in for a week but on reading it again, I noticed that they had been in for a while as Tiny Clanger had written "I put butternut squash in pots to start weeks ago".

I think the only way is to start again and perhaps leave the ones that haven't propagated to see if they come up as a bonus.

[Tee Gee]

If you decide to sow more sow them on edge.

Week 16: (End of April) Sow one or two seeds (on edge) into 75mm (3") pots of seed compost.

Germinate at a temperature of 10°C (50°F), this should take about a week.

Alternatively, sow seeds in-situ where the plants are to grow, and protect them with cloches.


Week 18: Prick out seedlings into 70mm (3") pots.

Harden off the young plants in a cold frame prior to planting out.

[Digeroo]

I think I need to go to spec savers too.  I also read it as a week ago. 

I put mine in damp kitchen roll and cover with plastic and put on a sunny windowsill and during evening they go onto a radiator.    I do however think they germinate better with even heat.  Sometimes damaging the shell can help.  Try snipping off a small section on the rounded end.

I have been keeping some of my squash and courgette seeds in the freezer and the ones I take out seem to germinate very quickly.

[Seacarrot]

I put butternut squash in pots to start weeks ago - no sign of germination yet.  Should I have another go using the propagator this time.  Also courgettes have not shown yet in the greenhouse.  Still too cold?

I would plant some more squash and courgettes.  I find it can be hit and miss with these seeds especially if the packets are older. 

You could start them off wrapped in damp kitchen paper, put in a sandwich bag or small plastic food containers and placed in an airing cupboard.

If you can I would bring the pots with the sowed seed indoors, I find members of the cucurbit family don't like the up/down temperatures that greenhouses provide.

I've always had better germination in my house where the temp is more constant.

You might however be better off sowing new seeds, but it could just be worth a try.