cucumber quaestion

[jackyspratty]

Sorry but I'm having problems with my search button (my laptop in general)

I am growing cystal lemon cucs outside in pots. I have 2 varieties of F1 cucs in the polytunnel. Diva and El torro. On the package from more veg it says to not grow the F1 varieteies near different types. Does this mean that I can't grow 2 different varieties of F1 together, or does it just mean that I shouldnt grow near the crystal lemon?

Sorry I know that this has been asked in many ways before, but am having difficulty finding an answer! Basically can I grow 2 different F1s in he same space?

Many thanks, and apologies for the repititious question! Thankyou

[Nykied]

I thought that meant that you can't put them near other non-F1 plants as they might cross-pollinate meaning that you can't save the seeds. I didn't think it mattered when you're not planning to save the seeds.

But I'm sure someone that ACTUALLY knows will be along soon...

[mrscorpio]

This is my first year growing cucumbers - so im no expert.
However would it be possible that your F1 varieties are all female. If you planted next to a normal cucumber then you are risking pollination from a male flower and so risking bitter fruit.

[jackyspratty]

Hmm, I thought it was that I shouldnt plant next to a non F1, as male flowwers will cross polinate resulting in bitter fruit?
Ive emailed more veg for clarification! If I cant put the 2 F1s together then Im scuppered as I only have one indoor space where I can grow them. Thought I could grow them together?

Oh well...keep your fingers crossed!

[jackyspratty]

For anyone that needs to know, heres he reply to my query, from Rachel at moreveg
Hello Donna,
El Torro and Diva are both female cucumbers and should not be grown with cucumbers that produce male flowers because the likelihood of cross pollination is very high and the results can be unpredictable. I have not tried growing two different female varieties together and so I think that if you put each variety at the opposite end of the polytunnel you should be fine. Female varieties are not renowned for enjoying the great outdoors and you will get better results from having them both undercover.
Kind Regards,
Rachel Martin

Phew, just means I have to switch around growing positions as were next to each other in a line. Hopefully will be ok. Have my crystal lemon outside so should be ok