Question
QUESTION: I was given two delicata plants by a nice woman who (somewhat) frequents my work. Unfortunately, I haven't seen her recently to be able to ask her any questions about them, including what variety it is.

I can tell you that it seems to be trailing rather than bushy, and somewhat small. They were planted in my meagre gardening plot on either side (with room) of a happy little marigold. The vine seems to be growing a tiny bit longer, but not much else. It gets great sunlight and regular waterings. I try to keep the soil around them from becoming dried out, but I realize that being too "attentive" can also disrupt or inhibit plant growth at times. In Asheville, NC, this summer we have been experiencing unpredictable precipitation, high humidity, and even higher temperatures. I had a pumpkin plant growing that became infected with some fungus (or possibly powerdery mildew, based on what I've read)...but the delicatas seem disease free. Also, there have been what appear to be a dull, orange lady bug and these hideous, tiny, bright yellow, spikey worms (or caterpillars?) again, on the pumpkin, but some of these are also on the delicatas.

???! I don't know if any of this is significant or relevant, but that's all I have! My desired result is, of course, a healthy plant and lots of tasty squash to save and eat! So far, I guess this plant to be hindered developmentally, and it has absolutely no fruit growing yet. Should I be fertilizing more often, should they be getting more or less water, am I just not far enough into their growing season, or did they get put into the ground too late (sometime in late May, I think)? Any tips? And any leads on what ugly, yellow, etceteras might be fond of squash and pumpkin plants? I've scrolled through several online galleries and lots of information, but can't seem to find something that matches. I'm lost and looking! Thanks for any feedback!

ANSWER: Manda:
I'm sorry to say I don't have an answer for you. In high heat, it is a good idea to keep the soil moist - but you say the humidity is also high, so you could be over-doing it. However, you would see some signs, such as yellowing of the leaves or even wilting. sounds like the plant is alive and healthy, just not growing well. I would suspect some problem underground that is keeping the roots from growing. Could be that cold temperatures or moisture stress when the plant was still in the pot stunted its growth. You could try a balanced fertilizer, or one high in phosphorus and see if that helps, but it is kind of late in the season for that.

As for the yellow worms, can't think of anything off-hand. If you were able to get a photo, I might be able to help.

Elyse

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: When you say "some problem underground", do you refer exculsively to the aforementioned cold temp and moisture stress. Or could this also be a parasite problem damaging the roots? I will say that in the past week, I have begun to see a fungus of sorts on the underside of the leaves (as opposed to the top side of the leaves of the pumpkin plant I had growing). Also, when the plants were first given to me, I was convinced that I wouldn't have any room for them so I tried to find them a home in someone else's garden. That then created the problem of them becoming even more rootbound than they were when given to me. Eventually, I just planted them anyhow.

Anyhow! Could this initial root stress have inhibited their growth too much? If anything, I would've thought they were itching to stretch out, but it may have been too little too late.

ANSWER: Yes, I think it could be because the plants were rootbound. Did you break up the roots before planting? If not, my guess is that when you pull up the plant at the end of the year, you will see that the roots have remained in a tight square about the size of the pot they came out of.

As for the fungus on the underside of the leaves, I'm thinking that it might actually be aphids. Try washing it off. could also be powdery mildew, but you should see that on the top of the leaves as well.

Have they put on any new growth or flowers since your first question?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes! They have! They don't seem to be developing any fruit still, but they apparently had a sudden chenge of heart and decided to duke it out with the remaining pumpkin vine for territorial rights. One of the delicatas is now taking over a generous portion of the garden. The mildewy appearance seems to be along the top of the leaf now, occuring first along the venation and then spreading outward. I tried a soapy water solution for aphids just in case. And still there are these mystery yellow things, I think they may be the youthful form of some orange, ladybug-like insect. Also, I am not able to get a very good picture of them but will keep trying. I loosened the roots up before planting them as gently as I could (I'm great at untangling knots, apparently roots are little exception!) Perhaps they just weren't ready after all? Thank you again for doing the best you can on what little information I can provide!

Answer
Manda:
I'm glad to hear your plants are still going. I assume your weather is still warm there, so you may get some squash yet. Since they are a winter variety, I hope you're first frost date is quite late.

The white "mildewy" appearance is probably just that. Aphids would appear on the underside of the leaves. Rather than soapy water, spray with a 1:1 milk/water solution, or add 1 tablespoon baking soda and a few drops of dish-washing soap to a gallon of water.

As for your yellow worms - are they actually moving? Because ladybug EGGS are yellow. They are laid on the undersides of leaves in   clusters. The larva are black,fairly flat, ovalish bugs with yellow spots. They don't look anything like the adult form.

Elyse