Cucumbers are one of the most popular and sought-after vegetables that you can grow in your garden.
However, in order to get a large and high-quality harvest, you need to not only plant and care for cucumbers correctly, but also know how to form them.
Formation of cucumbers is the process of removing excess shoots, leaves and ovaries in order to direct the plant's energy to the development of the main stem and fruiting.
The formation of cucumbers depends on which variety you choose: bee-pollinated or parthenocarpic.
Bee-pollinated varieties form male and female flowers on different shoots, so they need to be formed into one or two stems, removing all lateral shoots up to 4-5 leaves.
Parthenocarpic varieties form only female flowers on all shoots, so they can be formed into two or three stems, leaving lateral shoots with up to 2-3 leaves.
Formation of cucumbers should begin from the moment the first lateral shoots appear.
To do this, you need to regularly inspect the plants and remove excess shoots, leaves and ovaries. Shoots are removed by pinching or using scissors at the base of the stem.
Removal of leaves is also done by pinching or scissors, leaving a small tip on the stem. Removal of ovaries is done by pinching or by hand, tearing off the ovaries together with the flower.
Forming cucumbers has a number of advantages for plants and crops. It promotes better lighting and ventilation of plants, prevents the development of diseases and pests, increases the size and quality of fruits, and prolongs the fruiting period.
Forming cucumbers is a simple and effective way to get a large harvest of tasty and healthy vegetables.
