When picked at the crest of perfection , cucumbers boast tender tegument , nippy flesh and sloshed source cavity filled with balmy , small seeds . But when is the peak of flawlessness ? Depending on the kinds of cuke you ’re grow , it can vary by up to three weeks . Fortunately , you may do something to pelt along your harvesting fourth dimension . To learn what , keep reading .
The Days-to-Harvest Number
Every cuke seminal fluid packet has a days - to - harvest number(usually between 50 and 70 days ) indicate how long you may wait to look for variety to produce harvest - ready fruit . The countdown starts from the time the seeds pullulate , not from when they ’re planted . Because weather condition and grow conditions play an tremendous persona in their growth rate , the number is only a utilitarian estimate .
Stages of Growth
Every cucumber you pick is the termination of two earlier growth stage .
Pollination
It ’s at the flowering stage that you’re able to speed the prison term it take your cukes to reach the pick stage . How ? Unless they ’re pollinated , your babe wo n’t develop . Wind or insect pollination is n’t guaranteed . To ensure the large possible crop in the unforesightful amount of prison term , manus pollinationis the answer .
How to Hand Pollinate
Hand cross-pollinate cucumbers admit time and forbearance , but the process is a snap . All you need is a soft - bristled artist ’s brush :
Expert gardener ’s tip : extend hired man cross-pollinate throughout the flowering stage . Successfully pollinated distaff bloom wither in a few days , exposing your growing cuke .
Picking Time
Most sister cukes are ready to pick between eight and 10 days after pollination . entrust them on the vine much longer mean the remainder between classically nipping , sweet or disappointingly schmalzy , bitterflesh . Pick your cukes when :
Picking Frequency
Faithfully hand - pollinated cuke vine will want pick every one or two years after their fruit starts mature . If you miss a Clarence Day or two , remove the overripe cukes immediately . Otherwise , your vines will quit flowering and fruiting because they call back their job is done !
Picking Technique
Always glean cukes with blank , tart pruner or garden shear . Pulling or twisting them off by hand may damage the full vine . Be sure to exit a 1/4- to 1/2 - column inch piece of stem attach to each one so its stem end remains unshakable .
Expert gardener ’s tip : Long , burpless cucumber vine varieties bruise very easily . wield them with TLC when picking .
