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How to get low and strong cucumber seedlings: 6 rules for a large and early harvest
14.04.2023 22:06
Growing cucumbers from seedlings allows you to bring the start of fruiting closer.
However, not every summer resident succeeds in getting strong and healthy seedlings. Success is guaranteed if you follow a number of simple rules.
Selecting Seeds
Agronomists advise choosing processed planting material that has a bright shell. If you use seeds collected by yourself, they will sprout only in the second year from the moment of collection.
Sowing dates
Cucumbers are transplanted to a permanent location around mid-May, when warm weather sets in and the risk of frost is minimal. In this regard, cucumbers for seedlings are sown no earlier than mid-April.
Soil preparation
The soil for seedlings is prepared to be nutritious, moisture-absorbing and breathable. Vermiculite or perlite is added to the peat, which will act as a leavening agent. Zeolite will retain moisture, and biohumus will provide the seedlings with nutrition.
Container size
For seedlings that will be grown for 2 weeks, a container with a volume of 100-150 ml is sufficient. For longer maintenance (about a month), the plants are transferred to pots with a volume of 200-250 ml.
Temperature
At the beginning, the air temperature should be +25 °C. When the shoots get stronger, reduce to +20 …+22 °C during the day. At night, the temperature should be +16 …+19 °C.
Lighting
From the moment the shoots appear, cucumbers are provided with round-the-clock lighting for 3 days. Then the seedlings should be under the light for up to 14 hours a day.
