7 ways to reduce the number of empty flowers on cucumbers

Let's first figure out what empty flowers on cucumbers are and why they are needed. Cucumbers, like other melons, are monoecious plants. That is, on the same plant there are both female and male flowers. It is the male flowers that are called barren flowers, and a small number of them on the plant is necessary for fruit set.

1 way. Pay attention to the age of the seeds.

It has been noticed that seeds 2-4 years old produce more female flowers, while seeds of last year’s cucumbers more often produce male flowers. In order to have fewer empty flowers on cucumbers grown from last year's seeds, the seeds are poured with hot water before planting or heated at a temperature of 27-28 ° C for a month.

Method 2. To reduce the number of empty flowers on cucumbers, increase the likelihood of setting female flowers.

During the formation of the plant, it is necessary to remember that female flowers often appear on the side shoots. Therefore, after 6-7 leaves have appeared on the cucumbers, pinch the crown. This not only stimulates the growth of side shoots, but also increases the yield of the plant as a whole.

3 way. Proper watering of cucumbers.

It turns out that high humidity, as well as watering with warm water, have a beneficial effect on the formation of female flowers on cucumbers. Whereas cold water and infrequent watering provoke the formation of barren flowers.

If it is difficult to supply warm water, the cucumbers can be watered in the afternoon, when the ground and air have warmed up. You can also use drip irrigation.
At the same time, water should not stagnate in the beds, as this contributes to the appearance of fungal diseases and a large number of barren flowers.

4 way. Temperature regime.

Temperatures above 27 °C provoke cucumbers to throw out empty flowers and lead to sterilization of pollen. While temperatures in the range of 18-25 °C are optimal for fruit set.

5 way. Distance between plants and sunlight.

Planting cucumbers too densely makes it difficult for insects to access their flowers for pollination and increases the number of empty flowers. Also, do not plant cucumbers in heavily shaded areas.

To attract insects, you can use flowers such as marigolds, nasturtium, calendula, or spray the plants with honey water.

6 way. A balanced diet helps reduce the number of empty flowers on cucumbers.

In order for cucumbers to bear fruit better, they are fed. Chemical fertilizers used include urea, superphosphate, and complex foliar fertilizers. In natural farms, cow manure is diluted in water in a ratio of 1:10 and watered once a week at the root, and ash is added.

7 way. Use of hybrid varieties of cucumbers.

Parthenocarpic hybrid varieties, designated "F1", produce only female flowers and do not require empty flowers. These varieties do not produce viable seeds and are more susceptible to disease, but when grown correctly they have significantly higher yields.