Blinding cucumbers in a greenhouse and in open ground: diagram

Pinching or blinding cucumbers is a procedure that involves pinching off the inflorescences and side shoots. A section of the vine is measured approximately 50 cm from the base. The purpose of this procedure is to accelerate the development of the side shoots on which the inflorescences grow. The likelihood of excessive foliage density is reduced, which prevents pests from actively attacking. The root system receives sufficient oxygen.

Not all agricultural techniques are equally useful

Whether or not to blind greenhouse cucumbers is a debatable issue. The potential benefits are assessed first. The following factors are analyzed:

• characteristics of the variety: hybrid or traditional;
• whether or not shortening the ripening period will be beneficial;
• whether it is necessary or not to significantly increase the yield in closed ground;
• whether or not it is necessary to reduce the risk of developing diseases;
• whether or not it is necessary to increase the fruiting period.

Not all cucumbers tolerate blinding. Detailed information is provided in the description on the seed packaging.

How to distinguish between two types of cucumber seedlings

Male flowers can be visually identified by their location directly on the stem. Their base, unlike that of female flowers, is perfectly smooth. If a small cucumber-like structure is visible in the ovary of the seedling, it is a female flower. Regardless of the "sex," blinding is preceded by staking. Vines, despite their length, are fragile and break under their own weight. Staking will prevent this from happening. Care should be taken when handling.

Working with bee-pollinated varieties

In greenhouses, the main stem bears the male flowers (empty flowers), which do not form ovaries. The main stem does not produce fruit. More fruit can be harvested on the side shoots. The blinding procedure is as follows:

• carefully remove the barren flowers;
• remove excess shoots - they take most of the nutrients from the seedlings;
• pinch the main stem between the fifth and sixth true leaves (cotyledonous leaves are not taken into account);
• weak shoots and lower shoots are subject to removal;
• The blinding scheme includes the removal of withered leaves;
• the bush is formed into 3-4 stems;
• It is forbidden to pick healthy leaves;
• Strong shoots are tied up as they grow.

You may be interested in:

Caring for cucumbers in a greenhouse from planting to harvest
If you want to get cucumbers in your garden early, you'll need to use a greenhouse for shelter...Read more…

The above scheme is also relevant for varieties grown outdoors. Blinding isn't the only procedure that ensures a high yield. It can be performed both in the open ground and in a greenhouse. Much depends on maintaining a consistent fertilizing schedule and watering regimen. Disease prevention shouldn't be overlooked.

Working with self-pollinating varieties

These varieties are distinguished by the almost complete absence of male flowers. Seedlings of this class are suitable for growing indoors and in greenhouses. Female flowers cover most of the main stem. Each produces a single crisp fruit. The taste and other qualities of the cucumber depend on watering and fertilizing, as well as on maintaining the recommended daylight hours. Cultivation begins with the main vine, which is tied to a trellis without pinching.

The second step is to drape the vine over the trellis and allow it to grow downward. The recommended length is 60 cm. Once this length is reached, pinch off the top. This removes the growing point. The next steps are:

• measure 5 knots from the ground below;
• at the specified distance, stepsons and flowers are removed;
• the leaves must not be touched;
• if the bush is weak, then you need to blind the greenhouse cucumbers at 4 more nodes;
• measure 3 leaf axils after the blinding zone;
• there they leave lateral shoots, which are pinched, starting from the third node;
• the liana is left 20-25 cm long and then tied to a trellis;
• the length of the remaining shoots above 6 should be 35-40 cm;
• lateral shoots need to be tied up.

You may be interested in:

How to fertilize cucumbers - in open ground, after planting, and when?
No gardener can do without cucumbers, which have gained popularity thanks to their special...Read more…

All manipulations are carried out with sterile gardening tools. Even minor damage to the bush will allow pathogens to enter. In addition to maintaining cleanliness, the characteristics of each individual variety are also monitored. Not all hybrids require blinding. This is based on the results of recent breeding research. As mentioned earlier, this information is included on the seed packaging.

Reviews

George

For open ground, I use 'Rodnichok,' 'Monastyrsky,' and 'Topolyok.' I prune so that each bush has up to five stems.

Tamara

I watched some videos on the topic. Contrary to popular advice, I decided to abandon blinding. In humid climates, the procedure is useless in greenhouses and garden beds. Yields remain unchanged.

Paul

'Vyuga' and 'Severyanin' are two varieties that thrive in the greenhouse after blinding. The key is timely fertilization. Regular watering is another key to success.

Blinding cucumbers accelerates plant growth. Nutrients are used for fruit development. Before proceeding, study the variety's characteristics. The description will indicate whether or not the plant can be blinded. There should be no mistakes. Modern hybrid varieties bear fruit beautifully without such intervention.