In article ,
Larry Blanchard wrote:

There was a discussion a while back about zucchini with blossoms all of
one sex or another. Most people complained that they had too many male
blossoms (apparently they come out first). I had the opposite problem,
almost no male blossoms at all.

My problem was with "Raven" variety, and I won't plant it again.

So ...

How about some discussion on which varieties have the most balanced
blooms and are therefore the most productive?

Please mention your location/zone when replying - thanks.


Initially, our Raven hybrids produced all male blossoms but after just a
week or so went on to produce plenty of females as well. They produced
steadily all summer long with an interruption by squash borers which we
fixed by the old fashioned method instead of using Sevin and killing all
the bees. I had a plentiful supply which continues (albeit far less
now) here in Missouri Z 5b. I am still picking a few and I imagine they
will not stop until the frost (we nearly had a frost--- 34°--- but we
got lucky). Lovely warm fall weather now and the garden is producing
fairly well yet. My zuchetta tomboncinos are much more lively but we
planted those in late august. I will definitely plant Ravens again for
their ability to produce in quantity over a long period, recover from
various stresses and for their lovely taste and dark green, unblemished
appearance.

Now I also highly recommend the tromboncinos but you'd better give them
tons of space--- up, down and all around. They produce like crazy,
rooting (HUGE roots lol) along their strong, prolific vines. They need
no assistance in climbing. I am going to try them with our corn next
year.