broken stem

[habitat_gardener]

The top foot of a summer-squash plant got broken somehow (critters? stray hose?). Do new branches ever arise? The stub is only about 6 inches high. It was planted late, and we'd harvested only 3 large flying-saucer squash in the past week or so. It doesn't look promising (and when I take it out I'll have a space to plant the beet seedlings!), but I was wondering if anyone had seen a summer squash regrow after being topped.

I tried to prop the pieces together when I saw the broken top a couple days ago, but didn't have time to do it securely. I know tomato branches can heal if taped together ASAP.

[Tracydr]

Squash plants can grow roots from the stem. I would think if you plant the stem in damp DE or perlite that it might work. Add some rooting hormone.
Or, just plant another. Squash just grow so fast. Don't dig up the plant in the ground. Still a good chance for it,too.

[habitat_gardener]

Originally Posted by Tracydr

Squash plants can grow roots from the stem. I would think if you plant the stem in damp DE or perlite that it might work. Add some rooting hormone.
Or, just plant another. Squash just grow so fast. Don't dig up the plant in the ground. Still a good chance for it,too.

Hmmm...I went back to the compost bin to look at the stem, and it's not near the top. I'll give the one in the ground a few days to show some new growth.

Thanks!

[lakelady]

I had a groundhog who sheared off every leaf from my Brown Russian cukes this year. I nearly cried. Well, I kept watering and fertilized a little with Neptunes Harvest and lo and behold, although late, I did get cukes! Pray and hope the stars are aligned properly and all that jazz ....maybe you will get lucky!

[habitat_gardener]

I gave it a few days, then I decided to pull what was left and plant some beets that needed to be planted somewhere. Next time, I'll know what to do!