Why do cucumbers form empty flowers: reasons and ways to eliminate the problem

26.01.2025 06:20

When only empty flowers appear on cucumber bushes instead of juicy fruits, this raises many questions for gardeners.

Barren flowers are flowers that do not produce ovaries and do not turn into fruits.

In order to understand why this happens and how to deal with it, it is important to understand the main reasons for the appearance of barren flowers.

Incorrect watering and lack of moisture

One of the main reasons for the appearance of empty flowers is improper watering. Cucumbers are a moisture-loving crop, and if there is a lack of water, the plant experiences stress, which can affect its ability to form full-fledged fruits.

If the soil is dry, the flowers do not receive the necessary nutrition, and the ovaries may dry out and not develop.

Cucumbers
Photo: © Belnovosti

It is important to ensure that the soil is constantly moist, but not flooded - stagnant water can also lead to problems.

It is recommended to water cucumbers early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid moisture evaporation during the hot hours of the day.

Lack or excess of pollination

The problem of empty flowers may be due to insufficient pollination. If pollinating insects such as bees do not visit the site, the flowers will not be pollinated and no ovaries will form.

In this case, you can try artificial pollination - using a brush, carefully transfer pollen from male flowers to female ones. But excessive pollination can also cause problems.

Greenhouse varieties may not require pollination, and if pollen falls on the flowers too often, this will result in barren flowers.

Therefore, when choosing a variety for growing in a greenhouse, it is better to give preference to self-pollinating hybrids.

Incorrect application of fertilizers

Lack of nutrients or their excess is another reason why cucumbers develop barren flowers.

If the plant lacks nitrogen, it weakens and cannot form full-fledged flowers. On the other hand, excess nitrogen leads to active growth of greenery, but hinders the development of ovaries.

In order to get a harvest, it is necessary to regularly feed the plants, maintaining a balance of nutrients.

It is useful to use complex fertilizers that include phosphorus and potassium, which promote the development of ovaries and fruits, but it is important not to overdo it with nitrogen fertilizers.

Inappropriate growing conditions

Cucumbers prefer stable and moderately warm conditions. Sudden temperature fluctuations, cold nights and hot days can cause stress, resulting in the plant producing empty flowers.

The optimal temperature for the growth and fruiting of cucumbers is from 22 to 26 degrees during the day and not lower than 18 degrees at night.

It should also be remembered that good lighting is necessary for normal fruit development, so the beds should be located in sunny areas or the plants should be provided with sufficient lighting in the greenhouse.

In order for cucumbers to please you with a rich harvest, you need to create optimal conditions for them: observe the watering regime, monitor the supply of nutrients, ensure proper pollination and a suitable temperature regime.

By following these recommendations, you can minimize the likelihood of barren flowers appearing and enjoy a harvest of juicy and crispy cucumbers.

Why do cucumbers form empty flowers: reasons and ways to eliminate the problem

When only empty flowers appear on cucumber bushes instead of juicy fruits, this raises many questions for gardeners.

Barren flowers are flowers that do not produce ovaries and do not turn into fruits.

In order to understand why this happens and how to deal with it, it is important to understand the main reasons for the appearance of barren flowers.

Incorrect watering and lack of moisture

One of the main reasons for the appearance of empty flowers is improper watering. Cucumbers are a moisture-loving crop, and if there is a lack of water, the plant experiences stress, which can affect its ability to form full-fledged fruits.

If the soil is dry, the flowers do not receive the necessary nutrition, and the ovaries may dry out and not develop.

It is important to ensure that the soil is constantly moist, but not flooded - stagnant water can also lead to problems.

It is recommended to water cucumbers early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid moisture evaporation during the hot hours of the day.

Lack or excess of pollination

The problem of empty flowers may be due to insufficient pollination. If pollinating insects such as bees do not visit the site, the flowers will not be pollinated and no ovaries will form.

In this case, you can try artificial pollination - using a brush, carefully transfer pollen from male flowers to female ones. But excessive pollination can also cause problems.

Greenhouse varieties may not require pollination, and if pollen falls on the flowers too often, this will result in barren flowers.

Therefore, when choosing a variety for growing in a greenhouse, it is better to give preference to self-pollinating hybrids.

Incorrect application of fertilizers

Lack of nutrients or their excess is another reason why cucumbers develop barren flowers.

If the plant lacks nitrogen, it weakens and cannot form full-fledged flowers. On the other hand, excess nitrogen leads to active growth of greenery, but hinders the development of ovaries.

In order to get a harvest, it is necessary to regularly feed the plants, maintaining a balance of nutrients.

It is useful to use complex fertilizers that include phosphorus and potassium, which promote the development of ovaries and fruits, but it is important not to overdo it with nitrogen fertilizers.

Inappropriate growing conditions

Cucumbers prefer stable and moderately warm conditions. Sudden temperature fluctuations, cold nights and hot days can cause stress, resulting in the plant producing empty flowers.

The optimal temperature for the growth and fruiting of cucumbers is from 22 to 26 degrees during the day and not lower than 18 degrees at night.

It should also be remembered that good lighting is necessary for normal fruit development, so the beds should be located in sunny areas or the plants should be provided with sufficient lighting in the greenhouse.

In order for cucumbers to please you with a rich harvest, you need to create optimal conditions for them: observe the watering regime, monitor the supply of nutrients, ensure proper pollination and a suitable temperature regime.

By following these recommendations, you can minimize the likelihood of barren flowers appearing and enjoy a harvest of juicy and crispy cucumbers.

Author: Sergey Tumanov Internet resource editor

Content
  1. Incorrect watering and lack of moisture
  2. Lack or excess of pollination
  3. Incorrect application of fertilizers
  4. Inappropriate growing conditions
  5. Why do cucumbers form empty flowers: reasons and ways to eliminate the problem
  6. Incorrect watering and lack of moisture
  7. Lack or excess of pollination
  8. Incorrect application of fertilizers
  9. Inappropriate growing conditions