Cucumbers are considered by many to be an essential addition to a summer salad so why not try growing your own? For a greenhouse variety try Mini Munch F1 hybrid which can be picked small or left to mature.
Sowing Cucumber Seeds
Seeds can be sown in pots of Gro-Sure Seed & Cutting Compost in the greenhouse from February to May and need to be kept in the warmth, between 20-25 C (70-75F). Once well established seedlings can be planted in a Gro-Sure Fruit & Vegetable Planter or into greenhouse borders.
Some cucumber are self fertile and do not require male flowers to pollinate the females. If they produce male flowers (those without a swelling behind them) these should be removed. Check individual packs for details.
Many varieties are now available for growing in the garden and one to look out for is Burpless Tasty Green, fruits are of comparable quality to those grown in the greenhouse and are easily digestible, hence the name. Sown as above and kept under glass until established, plants need to be hardened off for several weeks before planting out once all danger of frost has passed.
Planting Out Cucumber Plants
Plant out in a warm and sunny spot or in a Gro-Sure Fruit & Vegetable Planter on the patio. Check individual variety for instructions regarding the whether to remove or leave male flowers on plants as above.
All cucumbers need to be regularly with a liquid feed such as Gro-Sure Tomato Plant Food.
Harvesting Cucumbers
Harvest July to September. Outdoor cucumbers are susceptible to powdery mildew a white powder like infection, select varieties with resistance to mildew from our Gro-sure range and if the disease appears treat accordingly.
