[Grubbypaws]

I am growing superbly healthy Defender F1 hybrid. They were planted late so I only just have my first flower and it has confused me. The baby courgette behind is a good plump 2.5" but the flower has only just opened. How come it is so large without yet being pollinated?
Also I have no open male flowers yet. Should I be concerned or will nature take care of things?

[mumofstig]

If there are no male courgette/squash flowers nearby,  the baby will just rot off 

The baby fruits can be quite big, and can be deceiving - because they will only continue to grow if they get pollinated 

I'm sure yours will soon have both sorts of flowers 

[willp]

I`ve grown Jemmer this year (also F1) and found a similar thing.

Given the weather they`ve romped away and we`ve been eating them at this sort of stage - with the flowers unopened. Very tender and avoids a glut of huge (ish) veg.

Will

[AnneB]

I`ve grown Jemmer this year (also F1) and found a similar thing.

Given the weather they`ve romped away and we`ve been eating them at this sort of stage - with the flowers unopened. Very tender and avoids a glut of huge (ish) veg.

Will

I have had the same thing with Jemmer too.  Harvested my first courgette at the weekend, despite no flowers opening yet!

[simbamara]

I am getting lots of courgettes also.I just pollinate as soon as I see a male and female flower.But I too found few baby courgettes beginning to shrivall away?

[Grubbypaws]

At last a male flower  Means I can stop wandering around neighbours plots with my paintbrush!!

[compostqueen]

No-one needs wander about with a paintbrush pollinating courgettes. Just let nature get on with it 

[ghost61]

CQ's right. My courgettes, marrows and squashes are covered in bees every morning. Anyway what's the hurry? You'll be awash with them soon, if not already!