How to properly pinch cucumbers - tips and instructions

How to properly pinch cucumbers

Each of us, whether he is an experienced gardener or a complete beginner, wants to grow a good harvest. Today we will talk about cucumbers and how to properly pinch cucumbers.

Let's first figure it out: "Why is this procedure needed at all?" After all, many gardeners do not consider it necessary to pluck leaves and shoots from their precious seedlings. The fact is that cucumber has the peculiarity of laying male shoots on the main stem. They are also called "barren flowers". So, these “barren flowers” ​​do not bear fruit. In order for you to get a very good harvest, female shoots must appear, and they grow only on the side shoots of the plant. That’s why male shoots need to be pinched. Keep in mind that the leaves should be left on as they provide nutrients to the cucumbers. You also need to pinch cucumbers in order to:

  • force the appearance of female flowers on the stem
  • If 80% of the male shoots are not removed (they do not bloom), then perhaps the cucumbers will taste bitter.

It is also worth paying attention to the formation of lashes:

  • if the plant is a hybrid, then it is necessary to remove the tops above the sixth leaf and leave only three shoots, and tear off the rest
  • if it is a regular variety, then leave one stem and remove weak shoots.

If you follow all the above instructions, then believe me, you are guaranteed a rich harvest.