While testing squashes harvested in 2023 I have found one butternut squash that was extremely rich in flavor and carotene. To my surprise, it contained about two dozens seeds that at a first glance were looking good (appropriate color and size) but closer examination shown that all the seeds were empty - perfectly developed seed hulls with nothing inside. What is the reason for that - lack of pollination, or … ?
My speculation. Maybe some interspecies crossing pollen? Maybe maxima because it got better favour? Why only 24 seeds? The pumpking was small or an earlier fruit? Maybe it did not have enought nutrition or time to develp the seeds. Or just because bad genetics.
How frustrating!
This has been a recurring problem with my attempts at growing butternut types so I share your frustration. I’ve always assumed poor pollination but I hadn’t thought beyond that. Richard’s suggestions make me think it’s probably a combination of factors.
I won’t have that problem this year because my butternuts have not set any fruit at all!
My most interesting (pepo!) cross with the apparent highest carotene content did the same thing. Seemingly good seeds which, over time, all dried up into nothingness
I’m thinking if it could be remotely possible that unusually high carotene content in a given population correlates with how long it takes to fully mature? Your season is not exacly extremely long either…
I also share you frustration! I did research on it about a year ago and thought it was that my temperatures are on the low side for ideal pollination rates.
How warm are your summers?
Consolation is that pollen from that plant likely made it into some of your others.