Zucchini is Dying on the Vine

Pollination

• Zucchini produces both male and female blooms. Male blooms appear first on a slender stalk to attract bees and flying insects. Female blooms appear later, but must be pollinated before the tiny swollen ovary at the base of the flower can develop into a zucchini. Lack of pollination, typically due to either a lack of flying insects or hot days with warm nights, results in the tiny zucchini shriveling and dying on the vine. Hand pollination typically resolves the issue.

Lack of Water

• Without adequate water, foliage and fruits may shrivel and die. Water zucchini deeply once or twice a week to saturate the soil to the root level. Zucchini grown in containers or raised beds may require more frequent watering, as soil dries quickly in the summer sun. Water whenever the soil feels dry 1 inch below the surface.

Weather

• In warm, wet weather, zucchini plants may not dry adequately at night and become susceptible to mold or rot. Fruit that lies on the ground is susceptible to rotting and may wither away on the vine. Typically, rot begins at the tip and travels to the entire fruit. Add mulch or keep young zucchini picked regularly to avoid rotting on the vine in wet weather.

Insects

• Both the cucumber beetle, a tiny black and yellow striped beetle, and the squash borer affect zucchini. While the cucumber beetle chews leaves, its biggest threat is the introduction of wilt to the plant. When this happens, plants wilt quickly and may die completely. The squash borer bores into the stem of the plant and compromises the plant's health. Keep insects in control by handpicking or using insecticides.