Methods for rooting cucumber shoots: cuttings and layering

Cucumbers

Propagating cucumbers using side shoots reduces the risk of crop loss. Botanists have concluded that three to five new plants can be obtained from a single cucumber plant. Seedlings require minimal care. An obvious advantage is that the new plants inherit the characteristics of the mother plant. The procedure doesn't require significant experience. Simply follow proper agricultural practices. This includes techniques for rooting cuttings, watering, and fertilizing the new plants.

Peculiarities of step-sonning

Pinching out cucumbers This is done in mid- to late July. Up to two side shoots are left at the base of the plant, which will later form two full stems. If the stem is less than 6-8 cm long, side shoot removal is postponed. Stepwise propagation of planted cucumbers has a beneficial effect on the speed of fruit formation. The fewer side shoots, the higher the yield.

Pinching out side shoots in the ground (cutting method)	Pinching out side shoots in a greenhouse (method of propagating cucumber by layering)
The procedure is necessary to increase the volume of the future harvest.	The method is used for self-pollinating varieties, for varieties that require the presence of pollinating insects
Remove all the side shoots, starting from the sixth leaf. If this is not done, the bush will be stunted and its fruits will be soft.	Due to the fact that the growth area is limited, pinching out the side shoots is mandatory.
As soon as the upper part of the bush reaches a mark of 15-20 cm, it is pinched, ensuring the growth of lateral shoots with female flowers.	Do not allow the shoots to grow, otherwise all the nutrients will go towards the formation of unproductive green mass.
Excess branches are removed, and nutrients are directed towards the development of the main stem.	Immediately after planting, the cucumber stem is tied to ensure constant growth straight up.
Beginner botanists can make things easier by starting with a simple division of the vine into 4 sections.	As soon as 5-6 leaves appear, remove the lateral stem.
On the first part, the lower shoots are removed, and on the second, the lateral shoots are pinched.	Lateral ovaries and branches are shortened to 4 nodes
Leave no more than 2 leaves and 1-2 ovaries on the third part, and 3 ovaries and 1 leaf on the fourth part.	Pinch off 4 leaves above each node.

Regardless of the method chosen, side shoots must be removed promptly. Otherwise, they will become overgrown or harden. All operations are performed with clean, disinfected tools.

Rooting methods

They independently decide how to root cucumber side shoots step-by-step after analyzing several factors. The first is the chosen variety. If they are early-ripening cucumbers, then only cuttings are used. This way, the fruits will be juicy and can withstand short periods of cold and lack of moisture. For mid-season and late-ripening varieties, only layering is used.

The second factor is taking into account the region's climate. For example, in areas with unstable climates, rooting is carried out only in greenhouses. Initially, the seedlings are planted in pots placed indoors. As soon as two or three permanent leaves appear, the seedlings are moved to a greenhouse.

Carrying out the transplant

Care and thoughtfulness in every step are the key to success. Even minor damage to the rhizome during side-shooting can ruin the future plant. The first step is to take small containers of soil. Buy ready-mixed soil to reduce the risk of infection. The second step is to prepare the planting containers. Medium-sized pots are suitable. The new plant is planted 4-5 cm deep. The third step is watering. Cucumbers prefer a measured amount of water.

Note!

The transplantation of stepchildren seedlings from a temporary pot to a permanent location is carried out as soon as 2-3 permanent leaves appear.

Bed preparation begins one week before the expected time of planting in the permanent location. Remove any traces of last year's harvest, and dig and loosen the soil. Five days before transplanting, apply a complex fertilizer. 2.5-3 kg of fertilizer is required per square meter. The distance between the holes and their depth are determined to ensure the comfort of the cucumber seedlings grown from side shoots. Each hole should be 10 to 15 cm deep, with a distance of 20 cm between them. No more than two shoots should be placed in each hole.

Compliance with care rules

Basic agricultural recommendations will help you reap a good harvest of this crisp vegetable. The first rule is to use high-quality material for planting or removing side shoots. If any signs of disease have been observed in the seedlings over the past 2-3 seasons, do not use them. The second rule is that not all side shoots will survive. Much depends on how well the roots are developing. Other agricultural recommendations:

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new shoots are started to root only when there is no risk of cold weather or prolonged rains within the next 2-4 days;
from the moment of planting until the beginning of harvesting, the stepsons are illuminated daily for 12-14 hours;
If the specified time period is not achievable, planting is carried out in a greenhouse, inside which artificial light sources are installed;
complex fertilizer is applied no more than 3 times during the growing season;
cucumber is a vegetable that loves oxygen, so the soil is loosened once every 4-5 days;
promptly remove any weeds found.

Watering is done in measured doses. First, check the moisture level at a depth of 5-8 cm.

Note!

If the bush hasn't absorbed all the water, it's best to postpone this procedure. Excessive moisture concentrations can lead to root rot.

Propagating cucumbers by pinching out side shoots allows for a good harvest even in regions with unstable climates. A healthy, disease-free plant is selected for this process. Gardeners keep in mind that each subsequent generation inherits slightly fewer characteristics from the parent plant. Another important detail: each shoot is carefully separated with a sterile instrument. This process is carried out in warm, dry weather. Despite following all agricultural practices, there is a risk of failure. The success rate of the side shoot depends on how quickly the root system develops.