Why cucumbers grow crooked: reasons, how and what to feed them with

When growing cucumbers, vegetable growers sometimes encounter deformed fruits. Most often, cucumbers grow crooked in greenhouses. However, irregularly shaped cucumbers are also sometimes found in open beds. This crookedness doesn't affect the taste of the fruit. However, when grown commercially, they don't appeal to buyers. There are several reasons for curled cucumbers, including poor care, growing the wrong varieties, and improper harvesting.

Reasons for the irregular shape of cucumbers in a greenhouse

It's impossible to definitively determine why cucumbers curl when grown in greenhouses. This can be caused by improper care, unsuitable planting, or growing a variety not suitable for greenhouses. A careful examination of the plant can help determine the cause.

Nutrient imbalance

Rapidly growing young cucumber plants draw on many nutrients from the soil for their development. Consequently, the soil becomes depleted within a short period of time. Nutrient deficiency leads to deformed fruits and premature yellowing of foliage. On the other hand, uncontrolled fertilization inhibits fruiting.

Potassium deficiency

Potassium is an essential micronutrient for all vegetable crops. It regulates sap flow and is essential for proper plant development. Potassium is essential for fruit formation. Potassium deficiency results in pear-shaped fruits, as shown in the photo, and a bitter taste.

To increase the potassium content in the soil, the following fertilizers are added:

1. Potassium magnesium sulfate in the form of dry powder at a rate of 20 g of substance per 1 m².
2. Wood ash infusion. It is prepared by mixing 15 liters of water and 2 liters of combustion products. The mixture is left for 3 days. Then 10 liters of clean water are added to the concentrate. The prepared solution is applied at a rate of 500 ml per plant.

Fertilizers containing potassium are applied to the roots. They are most effective when applied during flowering and fruit formation.

Nitrogen deficiency

Nitrogen-containing substances are essential for the healthy development of cucumbers at all stages of growth. A deficiency of this element inhibits leaf growth and delays flowering and fruiting. However, excess nitrogen in the soil causes deformed fruits. Cucumbers curl up and take on a hooked shape.

Folk fertilizer recipes using chicken manure are often used to enrich the soil with nitrogen. It is applied to the soil in liquid form. First, a concentrate is prepared by mixing equal parts organic matter and water. The mixture is then left to steep for three days. Then, a working solution is made by diluting the concentrated mixture with clean water at a ratio of 1:10. The resulting solution is then watered at the roots of cucumber plants.

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Failure to comply with crop rotation rules

Crooked cucumbers grow in greenhouses if crop rotation isn't proper. Improper crop rotation depletes the soil and disrupts the mineral balance. To ensure properly shaped and flavorful cucumbers, plants are rotated according to the "tops-roots" principle. This means cucumbers will thrive if planted in areas previously occupied by carrots, onions, garlic, and beets. This approach to growing vegetables eliminates the bitter taste.

Growing unsuitable varieties

Self-pollinating or parthenocarpic varieties are usually chosen for growing vegetables in a greenhouse. These varieties produce both male and female flowers on the bush. Pollination occurs independently. Parthenocarpic varieties require no pollination at all. These varieties produce fruit without pollen. However, it's not a good idea to plant these varieties in the same greenhouse. Cross-pollination can occur, which can cause crooked fruit on a self-pollinating variety.

Another example of poor neighboring is the joint planting of crops that cause specific secretions on the roots and leaves and cause fruit distortion. Cucumbers grow poorly, and the fruit bends, if grown next to them:

• tomatoes;
• potato;
• green salad;
• herbs.

Improper care

Cucumbers are heat-loving crops. If the greenhouse is cold or the air temperature fluctuates abruptly, the cucumbers curl up. To improve the commercial quality of the cucumbers, the room temperature should be maintained between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius during the day. At night, a drop to 15 to 20 degrees Celsius is acceptable. When it is not possible to maintain the desired temperature, the plants are covered with plastic film for additional insulation at night. If the air temperature rises above the desired level, ventilation is provided.

For a good harvest, cucumbers require proper watering. Watering errors often lead to diseases that cause fruit deformities. In a greenhouse, cucumbers are watered according to the following recommendations:

1. Plants are watered at the roots, without disturbing the soil and maintaining the integrity of the stems. Use a watering can, not a hose, for watering.
2. For irrigation, use warm water with a temperature of 18 to 23 degrees Celsius. Insufficiently warm water inhibits the development of cucumber plants and can lead to disease.
3. If the greenhouse is too humid and the soil retains moisture well, the frequency of watering is reduced but the amount is more abundant.
4. In light soil and when the temperature in the greenhouse is very dry, the intervals between waterings are reduced.
5. The bushes are watered in the morning or evening to prevent sunburn and water droplets from falling on the leaves.
6. Before watering, ventilate the greenhouse. If a significant cold snap is expected overnight, postpone the procedure until the morning.
7. For young plants, 5 to 10 liters of water per square meter of planting is sufficient to moisten the soil. For mature plants, the rate increases to 20 liters.

Some vegetable varieties require more or less water than the general recommendations. In this case, use the amount of water recommended on the seed package.

If all care instructions are followed, but the cucumbers are still growing abnormally, it's important to pay attention to harvesting. If the fruits are picked infrequently, many overgrown cucumbers remain on the plants. These yellowed cucumbers use up nutrients for their development. As a result, the young cucumbers lack nutrients and curl up. This can be avoided by harvesting the crop promptly, every 2-3 days.

Causes of cucumber curling in open ground

Cucumbers grown in unprotected beds can also become crooked. Generally, the causes are the same as for plants grown indoors. Fruits turn yellow and curl due to extreme heat, improper watering, and nutritional deficiencies. High planting density and poor crop rotation are also culprits.

Watering errors

Cucumbers' root systems require a constant supply of water. A lack of moisture causes the leaves to darken and become brittle. Excess moisture impairs root aeration, inhibits stem growth, and reduces fruiting. Watering with cold water is harmful.

Excess nitrogen in the soil

Less commonly, curling is caused by a nutrient imbalance in the soil. Many gardeners, eager to feed their cucumber plants, apply too much nitrogen fertilizer and forget about potassium. Potassium is essential for abundant flowering and fruiting. Therefore, cucumbers need to be fed according to a schedule that maintains a balance of essential nutrients.

Lack of heat

Cucumber fruiting doesn't end with the onset of autumn. Many varieties continue to produce until October. However, due to nighttime cold snaps and temperature fluctuations, the cucumbers grow crooked, impairing the absorption of nutrients from the soil. To remedy this, cover the cucumber plants at night in the fall.

Prevention of fruit deformation

To prevent fruit deformation, comprehensive care is necessary, including the following measures:

• taking into account crop rotation rules;
• placement of parthenocarpic, self-pollinating and bee-pollinated varieties at a distance from each other;
• balanced enrichment of the soil with useful elements;
• correct watering of vegetables with warm water;
• taking into account the proximity to other vegetables;
• Proper organization of lighting and maintaining temperature conditions when growing in a greenhouse.

The number of fruits and their shape depend on strict adherence to agricultural practices and soil composition. If nutrient deficiencies occur, supplemental feeding with potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus is necessary. If the soil is contaminated with pathogenic bacteria or fungal spores, disinfection is necessary. A solution of potassium permanganate can be used for disinfection.

Reviews

Svetlana, Lipetsk region:

I apply fertilizer regularly, strictly according to the schedule, not overdoing it on nitrogen, and I don't forget about potassium during flowering. That's why my cucumbers are always straight and beautiful. I've never had any crooked ones.

Elena, Samara:

During the summer, cucumbers usually grow normally and are perfectly shaped. But when the cold weather sets in, they often turn crooked. Then you have to live with the shortage. I only use these cucumbers in salads.

By following all the proper agricultural practices and creating favorable conditions, cucumbers will grow to the correct shape. Caring for the vegetable is not difficult, but good results can only be achieved with regular and timely implementation of all procedures.