Grow Your Own Magazine

kittykat8 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-06-2007, 02:48 PM

Can't remember what make, but am growing cucs think it was a female varity the cuc in question as prickly edges. Picked the cuc this morning about 6 to 8 inches long pale green, I cut some slices off and it was the most revoling thning I have ever tasted, I think the seeds were from sainsbury one make started with a P.

Thanks
marion

Cutecumber · #2 (**permalink**) 01-06-2007, 03:23 PM

I presume that your cucumbers are indoors, so...

If it wasn't an all-female variety, the bitterness may have been caused by pollination by male flowers

If there are any other varieties in there too, they may have cross pollinated

What do you think?

Cutecumber · #3 (**permalink**) 01-06-2007, 03:32 PM

Oh, I also found this on a website which may be of interest...

Quote:

Some reasons for cucumbers to turn bitter:

many varieties which are not totally seedless will set male flowers caused by water or heat stress. These male flowers can pollinate the female flowers.

seedless varieties pollinated by bees visiting the greenhouse.

air pollution, excessive carbon dioxide or pesticide sprays.

high salt levels in the growing medium.

Flummery · #4 (**permalink**) 01-06-2007, 04:56 PM

When you say they were from Sainsbury, were they saved from a cucumber you bought?

If they were bought as seeds, I think CuteC has covered it all.

Cutecumber · #5 (**permalink**) 01-06-2007, 05:04 PM

Good point - not all varieties will come true.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode