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  • #1

    My cucumber has it's first flower already - what to do?

    Hello

    My cucumber (burpless) sown on the 23rd Feb was grown under lights initially and has been on the windowsill the last week and a bit. Some of the leaves, and more of it's companions have been scorched but it's otherwise in good health I think.

    It has however now developed a flower - do I just cut it off? I did see a bee today, but it's too cold to plant outside, my wife is isolating so I can't go to the allotment greenhouse for another 10 or so days - do I just keep cutting off flowers for the next month or so?

    This was an experiment and am going to be sowing a few more this week as I know I was early with the Feb ones, but I'd like to keep it going if I can.

    Any thoughts?

    Thanks

    Al

    20200327_195033 by alligator1975, on Flickr
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  • #2
    NO,do not cut of,just leave it and watch it grow,this is a lovely cue,i grew a plant in a big pot in front of the patio window a few years ago,it did take over,and was a bit leggy,but had several cues before others were ready,it would be better if it was on the floor level,and plenty of support,depending on space,will as time and growth come,you may wish to either take out the top,leader,or some of the side runners,you can always come back for more advice as the plant grows,lucky you and well done.
    sigpicAnother nutter ,wife,mother, nan and nanan,love my growing places,seed collection and sharing,also one of these

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    • #3
      I'd leave it, but be sure to keep the plant well-watered, and probably feed it, too, if it starts to develop into a fruit.

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      • #4
        Thanks lottie_dolly and ameno - I'll leave as is and see how it gets on. It is drinking much more than I thought so yes I do need to keep on top of that, had not considered feed but will look into that also.

        Not sure I can get it lower yet, maybe one spot (I have 4 growing though) - will need some discussion internally as there are already complaints on the number of surfaces covered in plant trays!

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        • #5
          I have cucumber plant envy
          I live in a part of the UK with very mild winters. Please take this into account before thinking "if he is sowing those now...."
          ∃

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          • #6
            Think of it as,the new house plant,put that way you should be well in,especialy seeing they can be picked,without leaving the home,
            sigpicAnother nutter ,wife,mother, nan and nanan,love my growing places,seed collection and sharing,also one of these

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            • #7
              leave it on, I'd be tempted to put it in a bigger pot though, and put it in the sunniest spot you can in the house, treat it like a houseplant like some others have said, It will be cool having some indoor cucumbers this early in the year

              maybe put a couple of canes in for it to climb up

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              • #8
                Originally posted by quanglewangle View Post
                I have cucumber plant envy
                Quite...
                And there was I feeling smug that I'd got mine showing true leaves...

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by Urban View Post
                  leave it on, I'd be tempted to put it in a bigger pot though, and put it in the sunniest spot you can in the house, treat it like a houseplant like some others have said, It will be cool having some indoor cucumbers this early in the year

                  maybe put a couple of canes in for it to climb up
                  I had a look at the bottom of the pot and there are quite a few roots so will try and give it a bigger pot tomorrow.

                  Urban don't worry I suspect you'll end up with more cucumbers off yours than I get with mine! I've not planted what I view will be my 'safe' batch yet and will do that this week.

                  I'll update the thread with how it gets on!

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by OakR View Post
                    I had a look at the bottom of the pot and there are quite a few roots so will try and give it a bigger pot tomorrow.

                    Urban don't worry I suspect you'll end up with more cucumbers off yours than I get with mine! I've not planted what I view will be my 'safe' batch yet and will do that this week.

                    I'll update the thread with how it gets on!
                    Nice one. Hey i only sowed mine a week or two ago myself. Trying Beth alpha. That some have recommended on here.

                    Your plant is really impressive for this time of year

                    You could try more than one plant in a big pot. I did 3 in a 35L pot last year. And it worked really well
                    Last edited by Urban; 29-03-2020, 02:43 AM.

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                    • #11
                      Well update is the first cucumber didn't develop but plant is still going despite being deprived of some light and not going outside yet.

                      It does have it's first cucumber developing now, will try and upload a photo.

                      Won't be doing this early again next year but it's been a fun experiment.

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                      • #12
                        Your first cucumber in April, fantastic! I'd be doing this again next year, but maybe with the deliberate aim of having one as a productive houseplant.
                        Mostly flowers, some fruit and veg, at the seaside in Edinburgh.

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