Cucumbers

[Bren In Pots]

I'm growing 2 different cucumbers, Tanja and Marketmore could these two cross pollinate ?

[COMPOST CORNER]

I think so, but don't think it will make any difference unless you are seed saving.

[Alison]

If you want to save seed then you need to keep them separate but if you just want to eat the cucs then it's not a problem. If you do want to seed save then let us know and we can post advice on isolation etc.

[Bren In Pots]

Its the first time I've grown cucs and what did concern me was that on the packet it says to remove male flowers from the Tanja but to leave them on the Marketmore, so am I best off to separate them.

[ginger ninger]

Yes, I grew Marketmore once with Carmen and the Carmen were very bitter, they were OK with the Crystal Lemon I grew last year though, so to be on the safe side I'd keep them apart. When you've put time into growing them you don't want all your hard work being ruined Bren that would just be a shame!

[Bren In Pots]

My Marketmore that will be grown outside has now got both male and female flower open so I'm glad they've been kept apart for the last few days.

The Tanja only has tiny buds so its a bit early to tell what type of flowers they will be yet.

[matjam]

Male flowers

Aren't you meant to remove male flower on cucumbers? Or is that only on certain varieties? I'm growing all-female type to eliminate the hassle.

[Alison]

Its the first time I've grown cucs and what did concern me was that on the packet it says to remove male flowers from the Tanja but to leave them on the Marketmore, so am I best off to separate them.

I've grown an all female variety next to crystal apple in the past where you leave both male and female flowers and not had any problems but if you are concerned then grow separately