[dmhain]

Hi

Last year I grew some crown prince squashes (grew very well and was tasty!!).  When I cooked one I saved the seeds and to my surprise they all germinated.

I have around 20 squash plants growing like mad, the weather this year has resulted in me getting a load of pumpkin size squashes!

However, I was telling my neighbour that I was suprised they were a yellowy colour as crown prince are normally steely blue.  He asked me if they were F1 seeds last year, on inspection they were!

He seems to think that the reason the squashes are yellow is they have been polinated with something else and they are not crown prince, he also thinks they are too big and will not be very tasty, essentially they are all useless for eating!!

Can someone explain why taking seed from veg grown from F1 seeds doesnt work, also, do you think the squashes are wasted?

Thanks

[JayG]

F1 seeds are hybrids produced by carefully crossing two different parent plants to produce the desired result in the offspring. This has to be a manual process which is why F1 seeds are usually expensive.

If the seeds from the hybrids are collected and sown they will show characteristics of either or both parents but not in a predictable way, which is why it doesn't work for the next generation.

On top of that squashes in general are particularly willing to cross with each other so if there are other types in the vicinity the likelihood of further unexpected hybridisation is high and the results even more unpredictable!

Doesn't mean they won't be edible though, they might taste wonderful!

[PennyS]

Ooh is it time for that picture again?  DD.... where are you?.....

[peapod]

Ooh is it time for that picture again?  DD.... where are you?.....

DDs on hols so I'll do the honours 

[arugula]

I just love that picture! Like two giant acorns.