Bitter cuke problem

digger1957 · « **on:** July 23, 2007, 20:30 »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2007, 20:46 »

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 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2007, 20:51 »

Same thoughts as Richy :!:

Trillium · « **Reply #3 on:** July 24, 2007, 15:25 »

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 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 24, 2007, 15:34 »

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 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 24, 2007, 19:07 »

Quote from: "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!!

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

What to do with my Cuke's? Started by maxibo on Grow Your Own	1 Replies 1078 Views	May 04, 2013, 21:06 by Yorkie
What to do with my Cuke's? Started by maxibo on Grow Your Own	8 Replies 2320 Views	May 06, 2013, 07:10 by DD.
Now what with my Cuke's? Started by maxibo on Grow Your Own	2 Replies 1260 Views	May 28, 2013, 21:44 by maxibo
Another cuke quandry. Started by A Reyt Tayty on Grow Your Own	13 Replies 2166 Views	July 26, 2012, 21:43 by sunshineband

Bitter cuke problem

Trillium