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CucumberThe amateur grower, mainly for economic reasons, and quantity required, generally grow them in either a cool greenhouse, coldframe or in the open on soil ridges. Commercially Cucumbers are produced where a temperature of 21°C (70°F) can be maintained. Varieties are normally classified for the type of culture they are best suited. In the UK, most are grown in a cool greenhouse so the writer has only considered this type of culture. The plants are half hardy, another reason for growing under glass in the UK. They grow to 3metres (10ft) high or more, but are generally confined to the height of the greenhouse they are being grown in, unless they are being grown in espalier fashion along wires strung along the greenhouse. Dependant on variety the fruit can grow up to 500mm (18") long and 60mm (2.5") in diameter and are ready for harvesting around the end of July. Week 17; Sow seed on their side, singly into 75mm (3") pots of seed compost as shown here; Germinate at 18°C (65°F) Germination will take three or four days. Week 18; When the seedlings have three true leaves, pot them singly into 150mm (6") pots of potting compost, setting them so as the bottom set of leaves are just above soil level. Place the seedlings where they can get maximum light (but not direct sunlight) maintain a temperature of 10°C (50°F) Week 20; Prepare the growing bed by incorporating liberal amounts of well rotted manure or compost. Rake in bone meal mixed with lime at a rate of 100gm per sq.m (4oz/sq. m) Week 22; Plant out in the greenhouse border 900mm (3ft) apart. Insert a cane into the planting hole at this time to prevent the possibility of damaging the roots if done later. Water the plants in to settle the soil around the root ball. If the plants are quite tall or 'leggy' tie them into the cane. Week 24; The plants will be growing quite rapidly at this time so will require constant 'tying in'. Depending upon the style of 'growing on' i.e. if growing as a cordon (vertically) or on lateral grown in espalier form (horizontal along wires) tie the plants in loosely every 200mm (8") Pinch out the growing tip after the fifth/sixth pair of leaves this will encourage the formation of sideshoots. Stop each lateral (fruit-bearing growths) at the second leaf joint. Remove tendrils and pollen-bearing male flowers to prevent bitter tasting fruit as they appear. Allow only two female flowers on each lateral, female flowers are distinguished from male flowers by the tiny immature cucumber behind the flower. Water regularly, maintain a humid atmosphere around the plants, and keep well ventilated on hot days. Week 26: Feed fortnightly from now on, with a high nitrogen fertiliser. Week 28; Harvest cucumbers when they are young to get the optimum flavour, this will also encourage further cropping. Note; If fruit is left on plants too long they will go to seed and further cropping will stop Potential problems; Powdery mildew is a disease that affects all cucurbits including cucumber. It is caused by several species of related fungi that overwinter on dead plants and in spring they release their airborne spores which in turn infect the cucumber leaves. Initially this appears as a white dusty coating on the leaves that eventually forms another type of spore that spreads the disease. Plants that are stressed are generally more susceptible to the disease so ensure that the plant/s don't want for moisture and that the humidity around the plants is minimal. When humidity is high condensates form on the leaves and acts as an adhesive for the spores to stick too, therefore it is wise to keep the plants well ventilated. Control can be difficult using Green or yellow sulphur may give some control, otherwise destroy affected plants (do not compost them) Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus are quite common, and can affect other cucurbits. The viruses are generally transmitted by aphids, although CMV may be transmitted through contaminated seed. Symptoms appear as yellow mosaic patterns on the leaves, distortion and stunting. The only cure is to destroy infected plants (do not compost them)
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