Cucumbers (Greenhouse)

Growing Tips: Cucumbers (Greenhouse)

Quick Reference:

Plant seed 1/4 inch deep. Germination: 7 to 14 days. Plant 2 to 3 seed in a 3 to 5 gallon container for greenhouse production. Trellis plants in greenhouse.

When and where to plant:

Cucumbers like warm, sunny weather and warm soils making this cucumber variety a greenhouse crop in Alaska. Cucumber roots are tender and the seedlings must be transplanted with care. It is preferred the seed be started where the plants will grow all season but the soil temperature must be at least 50 degrees F for seed to germinate. When growing plants in an unheated greenhouse start seed indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the greenhouse is ready. Plastic pots are the best because they allow the roots to slide out easily when the seedlings are transplanted. Plant 2 or 3 seeds in individual four inch plastic pots filled with a potting soil, water well for good seed soil contact and keep soil moist until the seedlings emerge. Grow seedlings in a warm sunny location where it is cool at night and water with a half strength solution of liquid plant food once a week. When the greenhouse is warm, transplant seedlings in a rich, well drained soil and water immediately to help reduce transplant shock. Cucumbers do well in a greenhouse when grown in 5 gallon containers filled with rich loam when there is adequate ventilation and temperature control. If plants become overheated they will wilt and production will slow or cease.

Care:

Water so the soil is moist deep down, and apply a liquid solution of plant food every 2 weeks. Keep soil uniformly moist and the midday temperature in the greenhouse cool enough that the plants do not wilt to yield mild, non bitter cucumbers. This variety must be hand pollinated and both male and female blossoms are on the same plant. Male blossoms will appear first followed by the female blossoms which can be identified because they have a baby fruit behind the flower. To pollinate the female blossoms use a small artists brush and transfer some of the yellow pollen from the male blossom to the female ones.

Harvest:

Keep fruit picked to encourage new fruit, Pick carefully so vine is not damaged.