Cucumbers growing too tall

[2e1fmo]

Hi all

Im having issues with growing marketmore cumcumbers. I started from seed about 3 weeks ago in a propagator and they germinated fine, after reaching about 3 inches tall the first true leaves started to appear, but the stems went almost transparent and started collapsing, thus killing the young plants in one night! I didnt realise until the next day.

I have now re-sown some more, but obviously i want to avoid this happening again - any ideas why the stems went transparent/weak? I have planted my new crop lower down in 3" tubs so i can add more compost to support them if they start to grow tall again.

Also as they grow is it best to keep planting into larger tubs or should i get them into a growbag as soon as poss?

Any help, tips or advise for this newbie would be very much appreciated?

Many thanks
Daniel

[gojiberry]

Cucumbers are difficult little beggers and have to have their conditions just right. I have lost about half of mine, but still have enough for my needs. The usual cause is low temperatures and wet soil which causes the roots to rot very quickly. Cucumbers need to be kept at a temp above 12 deg for ideal growing and if it starts to get cooler keep the plants on the dry side.

Ian

gojilottie updated 27 May 08

[bramble]

More than likely the stem went transparent because of overwatering. Cucs just hate the stem to be wet. Lots of people plant their cucs on a bit of built up soil so that when you water them the water goes to the roots but does'nt soak the stem. Use a bit of trellis for their support. You should be fine but just remember too much water around the stem is the kiss of death for cucs.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[2e1fmo]

Thanks, that makes sense - i do remember that the stems got soaked when i watered, but it didnt occur to me the cucumber wouldnt like this. I used one of those water sprayer bottles and watered every day (at night) i guess 10 or so sprays.

I did wonder about supporting them, but when they are young (and i mean before the first true leaves appear) whats the best way to support them? I can only think of sticking a small cane behind the plant and using a tie, but that will just fall down to the base of the plant. My new crop are already starting to grow tall again.

Thanks

[Two_Sheds]

You say they are growing tall. Are they in a good light source (greenhouse), or tucked away a bit shady? (kitchen)

You certainly don't need to support seedlings with a stick ~ and they can come out of the propagator once they have germinated, or they'll be too warm and damp.

[rustylady]

Too warm, not light enough, and overwatered. As soon as they've germinated move them out of the propagator and place them somewhere really light. Only water when dry, and when you do stand them in a tray or saucer so the pots can soak up what they need. If you keep spraying from above the water doesn't penetrate to the roots and just rots the foliage.

[2e1fmo]

Thanks for your advise. I placed them in what i thought was a good light source on a sun facing windowsill, so i'll keep that up. My only concern for supporting them was so they wouldnt collapse after reaching too high again. I'll stop using the spray i think and water in a tray to let them soak it up.

[Two_Sheds]

I placed them in what i thought was a good light source on a sun facing windowsill

That's probably not light enough. The plants will let you know: if they are leaning towards the light, and growing tall & thin, then it ain't light enough.

[2e1fmo]

That's probably not light enough. The plants will let you know: if they are leaning towards the light, and growing tall & thin, then it ain't light enough.

Yes they are leaning towards the light, i always have to keep turning them. Thing is, what better light source is there other than a sun facing window sill?

[Duronal]

Mine are thriving outside in a cheap plastic (unheated) green house that backs onto a south facing wall, they germinated there, live there and seem very happy. I've tried to avoid watering the tops of the plant by burrying a small pot next to the plant and just filling the pot. Best of Luck.

D