[Mrs Bee]

This is the first time I have grown cucumbers.

They are the outdoor type, can't remember what breed

The first few we had were gorgeous but some of them are bitter, horribly bitter.

Can anyone enlighten me on why and what we have done wrong.

Ta ever so.

[DD.]

Probably nothing, it's getting late in the season.

[mumofstig]

They don't like it too hot, they don't like it cool, and they don't like irregular watering - they really are fussy beggars. Any of these things can make them bitter  

[shokkyy]

I grew Burpless Early in my tunnel this year, for the first time, and on the whole they were a fantastic variety - loads of cukes, really sweet and juicy fruit. Only problem is that if you leave them on the vine till they're fairly big, they do tend to be pretty seedy. Anyone know if this is typical for that variety, or something I could prevent?

[JayG]

Wish I could help (I am to growing cucumbers what Count Dracula was to chomping garlic whilst nude sunbathing.) 

[Mrs Bee]

Wish I could help (I am to growing cucumbers what Count Dracula was to chomping garlic whilst nude sunbathing.) 

 
You mean you garden in the nude whilst chewing on a lump of garlic?
That vision will be in my nightmares tonight

Thanks for all the help guys.
I intend to get it right next year

[shokkyy]

Actually, isn't bitterness in cukes supposed to be caused by pollination? Hence removing the male flowers.

[DD.]

There's the rub.

If it's a ridge, (outdoor) variety, you leave the males on.

[lazza]

I had the same problem last year, and got the same (mixed ) advice. This year, I set up a timed watering system while we were on holiday, instead of asking the neighbours as I know they did not have time to come round every night (although I asked them to check it was working every now and then).

And every cucumber has been delicious.

So I am putting last year's experience down to irregular watering.

I also heard, however, that cross-pollination often causes bitterness, so I only grow one type and in a greenhouse.

[Agatha]

My Burpless Tasty Green have done ok this year, they are quite seedy when they get big, but I don't mind - if it's too bad, I just scrape most of the seeds out before eating, but even with lots of seeds in they are still 100x tastier than shop-bought ones.  I usually grow Marketmore which is normally 100% reliable and doesn't seem to be so seedy, but this year they were all slugged before cropping stage.

[Trillium]

Usually it's down to irregular watering and a bit past ripe. Cucumbers are the OCD of the veg world.

[Mrs Bee]

Thank you for all the info.

I think it may have been irregular watering and  hope to get it right next year.

I recently bought a box of melons and when we ate one it was a bitter as aloes.
It was the first time I have ever seen OH spit food out