[digger1957]

Evening all.

I'm growing Telegraph Improved cukes. They are a type which have male and female flowers and i pinch out all the male flowers. Last year we had loads of fabulous cukes (same variety) - no problems but this year most of the cukes are bitter - completely inedible even if peeled. Anyone got any ideas about this? THey are in a greenhouse. THanks for allreplies.

[richyrich7]

Possibly pollinated by someone else's cukes nearby, not growing gerkins in there with them are you ?

Are the seeds well formed ? this can indicate pollination.

[Aunt Sally]

Same thoughts as Richy  :!:

[Trillium]

Cukes need a lot of sun and warm temperatures to taste good. Judging by all the rain and overcast the UK has had this year, that's almost impossible weather for good cukes. And degree of bitterness varies with each cuke fruit. It's also more concentrated right under the skin so if you peel a bit deeper it should taste better. If not, then it's compost time.  

[digital_biscuit]

Regarding this problem, are you not supposed to grow different varieties of cumbers in the same area? Mine all died so i adopted 4 plants from 2 different places and i had 3 really good ones and then 2 bitter ones!!

[richyrich7]

Regarding this problem, are you not supposed to grow different varieties of cumbers in the same area? Mine all died so i adopted 4 plants from 2 different places and i had 3 really good ones and then 2 bitter ones!!

Biggest problem you have with that one, is the variety must be compatible, some cukes need the male flowers eg market more some don't. so if you leave male flowers on one, miss bee comes along she doesn't know the difference between your variety's  and gets on with her job