Cucumber Delikate . To take off male flowers or not?

**SarzWix** · 28-04-2009, 08:21 AM

This is something that I've never really got to grips with, it seems to be different with different types of cuc - outdoor ones have the male flowers left on, some greenhouse varieties have to have them removed, and some greenhouse varieties don't seem to produce male flowers at all

I've found this article on T&M's website that may be some help; In-depth Gardening Articles from Thompson & Morgan: Cucumbers

Unless all-female strains are being grown, a careful watch must be kept for the male flowers which should be removed before they open. These are the ones without a tiny embryo fruit at the base.

**Wren** · 28-04-2009, 09:28 AM

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply . I will make sure that i don't go pulling any flowers off then

The only company name i can find on the packet is 'UDL Gmbh' it is a very plain packet and for the verity it says Augurk Delikate/ Pepino Delikate, most o the wording is foreign on it and the GB cultivation advice is very sparce.
Many thanks to you both.

I just looked at that article on the TM site Sarswix and it says to remove male flowers unless it is an all female veriety and thats the exact opposite to what samplesize897 says to do!

Unless all-female strains are being grown, a careful watch must be kept for the male flowers which should be removed before they open. These are the ones without a tiny embryo fruit at the base. Tie the stems loosely but securely to the supporting framework or wires until the tendrils gain a grip, and stop all lateral shoots back to the second leaf joint beyond the first female flower. If the plants are grown from floor level, the main stem is best pinched out at about 5ft (1.5m), and a good lateral trained to replace it. Stop this when it reaches the greenhouse roof.

Why are TM saying to remove them when they shopuld be left on! How confusing!!

Wren

**tootles** · 28-04-2009, 09:34 AM

Originally posted by Wren View Post

The only company name i can find on the packet is 'UDL Gmbh'
Wren

I think you might find that it is LIDL Gmbh

(although I can't help with the flower thing - I leave mine well alone)

**Wren** · 28-04-2009, 01:25 PM

Originally posted by tootles View Post

I think you might find that it is LIDL Gmbh

(although I can't help with the flower thing - I leave mine well alone)

You know the funny thing is i posted that and then went off for my free eye check at tesco's.
Reading glasses for me

**SarzWix** · 28-04-2009, 02:08 PM

Well, T&M have been seed merchants for a long time, and the article was written by an expert - I'll be going with their advice

**realfood** · 28-04-2009, 07:31 PM

My understanding is
All-female F1 varieties. This is a new type of Cucumber which is revolutionising the cultivation of Cucumbers. Unfortunately the seed is very expensive, but the results that are coming in, make the cost worthwhile. As the name suggests, they usually produce only female flowers, doing away with any pollination problems. Occasionally, some all-female varieties produce a few male flowers which should be promptly removed. This may happen if they have been stressed.
Traditional type of Cucumbers. This type is suggested for cool greenhouses and usually produces long, straight and smooth green Cucumbers. Remove all male flowers as they form from this type of Cucumber, to prevent pollination of the female flowers and resulting bitter fruit.

OUTDOOR or Ridge CUCUMBERS.
These are really only suitable for the South of the UK in a sheltered and sunny location. You can of course grow outdoor cucumbers in a cold greenhouse in the North of the UK.
When growing these outdoor Cucumbers, leave the male flowers on the plant as the female flowers require pollination.

**Demeter** · 28-04-2009, 08:08 PM

I grew cukes outdoors fairly successfully in Gloucester in the very wet and miserable summer we had last year - they might have done better in warmer climes or in a less foul summer, but I don't think they need to be *that* cosseted!

I reckon if they are an "open pollinated" variety that gives you the clue. They will need the male flowers! Anyhow this site says:

"Early maturing slicing cucumber for outdoor production. The fruits grow very fast, so pick them up frequently. The fruits doesn�t get bitter. They can be used for salads or preserving." So they are outdoor cukes that don't get bitter and will therefore be easy peasy.

(Lidl only seem to sell easy peasy varieties, whoop)

Cucumbers are very confusing.

**rana** · 25-05-2009, 07:13 AM

Hello Wren. I think you will find the variety name is Delikatesse which is a german heirloom variety. I have grown it each summer in the greenhouse and it produces many small (4" to 8") fruit. There is the occasional slightly bitter fruit but mostly they have a fine taste. There will be far too many flowers to consider removal.

**tizzycat** · 15-06-2009, 10:44 AM

I had some outdoor cucumber seeds from LIDL last year, the variety was Konsa - Hybrids, and I grew them very successfully against a sunny wall in West Yorkshire.

I had the same dilemma about removal of flowers but in the end I did not remove any flowers and the fruits were great.

I have been back to LIDL for more seed, but ended up with the Delikate which does not appear to be a hybrid, and also Restina which is a hybrid. I will be leaving the flowers where they are and hoping for the best.

**tizzycat** · 15-06-2009, 10:47 AM

just found this: you need to scroll down to the cucumber.

Tomato Pepper Cucumber Cauliflower Seed

**Alison** · 15-06-2009, 11:22 AM

If it's an open pollinated variety then surely you need to leave the male flowers on don't you?

**Wren** · 15-06-2009, 10:04 PM

Wire worm got one plant grown direct into the soil, and the other's are in pots now for safe keeping. I impulsed purchased a all female verity when i visited the garden center and its doing much better than the Delikate type.

I will see how they get on but my observations are that the Delikate type (outside in pots) lacks vigor in comparison to the all female one.

I will leave all flowers in place an make sure i keep the all female verity inside the green house and well away from the outside Delikate so they don't cross pollinate each other.

many thanks for all your replies.

Wren

**richspoo** · 25-07-2010, 09:03 AM

Cucumber problem

my first year growing in a greenhouse. I have two plants one is a smooth skin variety the other a prickly type. On the smooth skin,I had two really nice cucumbers arrive but since then nothing. They get to an inch long and turn yellow and drop off this I produced from seed I believe it was a hybrid F4 althought not sure. It is not over 6feet tall growing near the top of the greenhouse. It has been vert hot I have watered well and fed with tomaright weak solution.

The other prickly plant has not produced one cucumber although it has had a number grow to an inch and drop off. This is an out door plant i have kept in the greenhouse. This one too is now over 5 feet tall, and looks well nice and green no yellow leaves.

I have peppers and tomatoes growing in the same green house. Any help very much appreciated. I am feeling a bit depressed after such a good start.

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