I am always happy to share what I know and can do. But, communicating with readers, I noticed that some - judging by the questions - do not read the articles completely, going over the main points and not paying attention to the little things.
In fact, there is nothing insignificant in gardening. Only it turns out later, while working on the bugs.
Why are there a lot of empty flowers on cucumbers in a greenhouse?
This happens if those “little things” are missed during sowing and care.
Unsuitable seeds
The fate of the future crop is determined when choosing seeds. Planning to grow cucumbers in a greenhouse? So choose varieties for greenhouse conditions, and not for open ground: Valaamsky, Sarovskiy F1, Emerald F1.
Pay attention to the expiration date. A paradox, but a fact: the seeds of cucumbers, which are 2-3 years old, sprout better than last year. If you get seeds from your hands, test them with salt water: fill in, discard the pop-up pacifiers. Those that remain at the bottom of the tank are viable, and plant them.
Too dense seeding
I never throw away a bag of seeds. I tape it to the seedling box like a cheat sheet. After all, there is especially valuable information on the timing of planting, and on the distance at which cucumbers are planted. The closer the lashes, the more empty flowers. Ideally, 2-3 bushes should remain per 1 m2.
Lack of heat
Cucumbers are very fond of warmth - in the soil, in the air, in the water. A cold snap of 6-7 degrees is stressful for them. Keep an eye on the temperature outside the greenhouse door, especially when it's still cool outside. + 13 degrees is a critical threshold.
Water the bushes with settled warm water. The unpleasant bitterness of a cucumber is a response to an experienced cold blow.
Wrong watering
Cucumbers are moisture-loving, but you can’t diligently pour them. Especially in a greenhouse, where high humidity provokes the growth of pathogenic fungi. 5 times a week is enough, while you need to make sure that the water does not stagnate at the roots. Loosening the soil, periodic ventilation of the greenhouse are required. You can also mulch with dry grass or straw.
The location of the beds in a dark place
A lack of light often leads to empty flowers. Plants should receive it at least 12 hours a day. If cloudy weather drags on, spraying with Zircon anti-stress will help.
Insufficient pollination
That is why it is important to choose greenhouse varieties for the greenhouse: they self-pollinate, because both male and female flowers ripen on them! Soil crops sometimes cannot do without bees.
If a non-pollinating variety has entered the greenhouse, try to attract pollinating insects to it or arm yourself with a brush.
It happens that stagnation of air, dense plantings and overheating above 35 degrees interfere with normal pollination. Airing, secateurs and temperature control will help.
Absence or excess of dressings
If you feed a little - it’s bad, there are no ovaries, if you overfeed - the bushes “fatten”. Remember the rule:
- before flowering - nitrogen;
- during ovaries and fruits - phosphorus and potassium.
But not all at once and not with a generous hand, but strictly in the recommended doses and no more often than necessary. Especially if the soil in the greenhouse is not depleted and is periodically fertilized. And do not forget about watering, and then top dressing, otherwise you can burn the roots!
Do I need to remove the empty flower from cucumbers?
And the last. Take measures, but do not cut off empty flowers. These are male flowers, they are still useful for pollination. Pinch the tops of the lashes, this will activate the growth of female flowers. And be attentive to all the "little things" for care!
Remember: empty flowers are not evil. They just show that the plants are missing something. Make up for this lack or remove the excess - and you will have a harvest.
Read also: The subtleties of growing beets - sharing useful information
Another related article: Cucumber seedlings: which cups to choose for convenience and benefit
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