The squirrels shouldn't bother your growing flower stalk or bud..I have had a few summer blooms with no problems, (and believe me we have squirrels all over the place) and I have one currently about to bloom with a 10" stalk..but this plant is on a deck. So..do you have any decks you could temporarily put your plant on.. and if you are still worried, just bring the plant in the house for a week or two until the blooms are over and then bring it back outside!!

Donna