Ovaries do not grow in parthenocarpic cucumbers: causes and solutions to the problem
Parthenocarpic cucumbers are gaining more and more popularity among gardeners, especially in greenhouse cultivation. The reason is simple: for a good harvest of a green vegetable, insect pollination is absolutely not required. The plant has only female flowers and the ovaries are formed independently, and in large quantities.
However, in order for the yield to be not only large, but also of high quality, parthenocarpites require a little more attention than ordinary varieties. The fact is that such plants grow very quickly, forming many new shoots. Therefore, most of the nutrients go to new ovaries. Since there are so many of them, the fruits grow slowly. It seems that this situation happened with the author. To redistribute the consumption of nutrients, and direct them to the growth of cucumbers, the plant should be pinched.
How to form parthenocarpite cucumbers correctly?
Topping parthenocarpic varieties different from simple cucumbers. Non-hybrid varieties usually begin to form after the fifth leaf, since male flowers are laid on the main shoot.
In parthenocarpites, flowers grow in the same way, however, it must be borne in mind that they are feminine, so do not pinch after 5 leaves.
Formation is best done this way:
- remove lateral shoots and inflorescences in the axils from the first to the fifth leaf;
- leave the next six side stitches (the length of each should be no more than 25 cm);
- pinch two or three shoots growing behind them, shortening them to 35 cm;
- increase the length of the next three of the lashes by 10 cm, then also pinch.
The main shoot must be fixed, and when it reaches its maximum length, also pinch it or throw it over the support (so that it grows towards the ground).
In secondary shoots that appear from lateral lashes (not main ones), after the first leaf, the growth point should be removed.
What other reasons could be that the ovaries do not grow?
If the bush was formed correctly and on time, and the set fruits still do not grow, the reason should be sought in the following:
- There are too many ovaries that the plant cannot “feed”. Solution: remove them before blooming flowers, leaving no more than 30 pieces per bush.
- "Young age" of the plant. Fragile bushes have a weak leaf apparatus, but they can already form lateral shoots with ovaries, but there is not enough food for everyone. Solution: if the bush is not yet strong enough, it is better to remove the first ovaries and give it time to gain strength.
- High air humidity. Solution: ventilate the room more often.
- The room is too hot. Solution: lower the temperature or move the plant to another location.
- Sudden changes in temperature.
- Heavy soil. Solution: feed the cucumbers with growth regulators (Zircon, Epin)
Parthenocarpic varieties of cucumbers during the period of formation and ripening of fruits require weekly feeding, for example, infusion of mullein with urea.