Kitchen Garden Forum

I sowed my squashes weeks ago. They all came up with the exception of sweet dumpling.I had tried to get them to germinate on a window sill above a radiator. So I put the sweet dumpling seed tray on a heated propagator. Nothing for a fortnight. Then this morning one shoot is uncurling.I remember others discussing the germination of squashes.Is this typical of sweet dumpling?

Dear Jane,
I sow these about three weeks earlier than the other kinds I grow, ditto butternuts and turks turbans. All three kinds are slower to germinate and get going than normal.
Regards Sally Wright.

Hi Sally,

Interested to see you comments on Butternut and Turks Turban. I grow both of these each year but this year, having sown 3 times so far and got nothing.
The seeds have just 'disappeared' in the pot. No sign at all of rotting. Any ideas?
I shall have to buy another packet and try again.

Regards
Beryl.

Dear Beryl,
try not to sow them too deep. At least part of the seed should be visible. It seems that they need light to germinate.
Regards Sally Wright.

Thanks very much Sally. I'm just off down the greenhouse to carry out your good advice.

Regards
Beryl.

I didn't know about the light. That could be it. As I watered I washed away some compostand the light got to the seed.I've got 4 out of 9 now, so I'll settle for that.Thanks for the advice.