Rotten ends on Courgettes.

[~Wingnut~]

Hi! :o)

This is my first year at growing veg and have 2 courgette plants in my greenhouse. I am disappointed to find that some of the courgettes are going rotten on their ends and I have had to throw them away into the compost bin.
I thought it was happening because the ends were touching the stem or ground but ones that aren't touching anything are going rotten. They aren't being kept wet either.
I have only managed to salvage 2 that have grown to the right size without going rotten.
Why is this happening and what can I do to stop it?

Many thanx xx

[Clanad]

Courgettes, or Zucchinis,as they are known here in the U.S. are susceptible to blossom end rot, just as are tomatoes. This is caused by a lack of calcium. Even if you are not overwatering the soil can be calcium depleted. Add some dolomite (common lime)to the soil or the remaining fruits can be sprayed with a liquid calcium mixture available at most garden stores. Additionally, since you are growing these in a greenhouse, you may have a problem with the plants not being pollinated. Zucchini must be pollinated... as you probably know, the plant produces both male and female flowers... if you don't have pollinating insects, usually bees, they will produce fruit with the condition you describe. Hand pollinating is a good answer to the problem. Simply pull the flower petals off the male flower exposing the pollen... rub this on the interior of the female flowers, et voila... baby zucchinis... Best of luck!

[~Wingnut~]

Ahhhh thanx Clanad!!! I will give the X pollinating a go!
Cheers :o)

[Lonnie]

Clanad has explained perfectly, I tend to steer clear of Zuccihinis because of this, Green Bush are hardy, and fruit much better.
Just an option.

[~Wingnut~]

Thanx Lonnie :o)