Quick Overview
Growing cucumbers in yourbackyard gardencan be a rewarding experience , but nothing deflower the joy of afresh cucumber harvestlike a acrimonious taste . If you ’ve ever encountered this unpleasantness , you ’re not alone . Fortunately , with a few dim-witted proficiency , you may civilize cucumbers that are as sweet and bracing as they should be .
Understanding the Causes of Bitter Cucumbers
The bitter in cucumbers is have by acompound called cucurbitacin . This substance is produced as adefense mechanismagainst pest and animals . However , certainenvironmental factorscan also trigger the product of cucurbitacin , leading to bitter Cucumis sativus .
7 Essential Tips for Growing Cucumbers Not Bitter
1. Choose the Right Variety
Not allcucumber varietiesare prostrate to tartness . Some , like ‘ Burpless ’ and ‘ Sweet Success , ’ are eff for their sweet savour . When selecting seeds , opt forvarieties specifically labeledas “ bitter - devoid . ”
2. Provide Ample Water
piddle is crucial forcucumber growthand preventing bitterness . Keep the soil systematically moist , especially during hot anddry weather . Avoid overwatering , as this can lead to root word rot .
3. Fertilize Regularly
fertilize yourcucumber plantsprovides them withessential nutrientsfor respectable outgrowth . Use abalanced fertilizer , such as 10 - 10 - 10 , and follow the instructions on the software system . Avoid over - fertilizing , as this can also lead to rancor .
4. Control Pests and Diseases
pest and diseases can accent cuke plants , triggering the product of cucurbitacin . practise good garden hygiene byremoving weedsand debris that canattract blighter . utilise natural pest control method acting , such as familiar planting and insecticidal goop .
5. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Cucumbers are sensitive to extreme temperature . When temperature overlook below 50 ° fluorine ( 10 ° C ) or come up above 90 ° F ( 32 ° hundred ) , the plant may raise more cucurbitacin . Provide shade duringhot afternoonsandprotect plantsfrom frost when temperatures dip .
6. Harvest at the Right Time
harvest home cuke at the correct stage is all important . Overripe cucumbers incline to be more bitter . Pick cuke when they are fast and have reach the hope sizing .
7. Store Properly
Store impudently harvested Cucumis sativus in a nerveless , humid environment , such as a icebox . nullify store them indirect sunlightor atroom temperature , as this can speed bitterness .
Unmasking the Myths about Bitter Cucumbers
Myth: All cucumbers are bitter.
Fact : While somecucumber varietiescan be caustic , there are many scented and bitter - free varieties available .
Myth: Bitter cucumbers are toxic.
Fact : Whilebitter cucumbersmay not be as palatable , they are not toxic . The jaundice is due to anatural compoundthat is not harmful to mankind .
Myth: You can remove the bitterness from cucumbers.
Fact : Once a cucumber has become bitter , it is difficult to move out thebitterness completely . However , soaking cucumbersincold waterfor a few hours can help reduce the intensity of the bitterness .
