I'll take a swing at the first question. I think it's similar to pumpkins. It might be 7-14 days after you spot the bud in the tip. If you really dig down into the growing tip you might see it forming 3 weeks ahead of time. I think this is similar to pumpkins, as far as the limits of digging into the future. Also they will be a pale yellow prior to being fully open. As with pumpkins, once a hint of pale yellow shows, they will possibly be ready the next day.
[Last edit: 06/09/26 7:43:50 AM]