Summer residents sometimes face the problem that cucumber flowers ripen and bloom profusely, but at the end of the season there are practically no fruits. With this outcome, you can’t expect a good harvest. Why does this happen, how to deal with it?
How to deal with it
Initially, it is worth considering options for what interferes with the normal and uniform development of the plant. The main reasons contributing to a poor harvest:
- Planting fresh seeds.
- Sowing low-quality seeds.
- Overfeeding with nitrogen fertilizers or improper feeding.
- Violation of the watering regime.
- Cold water.
- Incorrect lighting.
- Cold.
- Heat.
- Incorrect landing pattern.
The nuances listed above are the first to be paid attention to.
Seeds and watering
Seeds should be planted at least 2 years old (and preferably 3-4 years old). But if you do end up with fresh seeds, then you need to perform certain manipulations with them:
- Treat the seeds with a solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes.
- Dry in the sun.
- Send for final drying (50 days at 28 °C).
It is worth checking the expiration date of the seeds, buying them from a trusted seller, and reading reviews on websites.
In addition to nitrogen, other fertilizers should be used:
- potassium;
- phosphorus;
- iron.
If it happens that you still cannot avoid overfeeding the plant with nitrogen fertilizers, then double superphosphate can save you in this case.
Excess moisture can cause the formation of fungus and rotting. Cucumbers should be watered in moderation. And in rainy weather, additional watering is not required at all.
Plant root systems are designed in such a way that they do not absorb cold water. Therefore, watering with cold water can be considered a waste of water. The optimal liquid temperature is 20–25 °C.
Light and warmth
You should choose a well-lit place. This should be taken care of even at the time of planting cucumbers. It is important to follow the planting scheme, since the plants should not shade each other.
At 14 °C and below, female flowers are not sufficiently formed. This negatively affects productivity. Pollinating insects are inactive in such cold weather. At this time, cucumbers should be insulated and it is recommended to reduce watering. Comply with planting deadlines. The degree of insulation depends on the variety and climate characteristics of the region.
Heat also has a negative effect on pollinating insects (pollen becomes sterile). In this case, abundant watering can help. It is advisable to water cucumbers in the morning and evening. Not only at the root, but also on the leaves.
Plants should not be planted too closely. When planted tightly, female and male flowers develop slowly, and pollination is unsatisfactory. The recommended distance is 20–30 cm between plants, and 60 cm between rows.
There are many factors that affect yield. But you should adhere to the rules listed above so that your work does not go in vain.With watering, proper planting with seed selection and care at the end of the season, cucumbers will grow large, ripe and with a pleasant taste corresponding to the planted variety.
