Taking care of your plants

Overview

A tender, fast-growing plant that produces crisp cucumbers over summer. Best grown in a greenhouse or a warm, sheltered spot outdoors, with regular watering and feeding. Harvest frequently while fruits are young and firm to keep plants cropping well. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, dips and refreshing summer drinks.

• Vegetable Type: Cucumber
• Key Characteristic: Reliable crop suited to UK gardens with good flavour and productivity.
• Hardiness: Tender annual (protect young plants from frost).

PLANTING ADVICE

Plant in moisture-retentive, fertile soil enriched with compost or manure. Best grown in the ground with plenty of space, though compact types suit large containers.

• Outdoor cultivation

Outdoor cultivation only suitable in a warm, sheltered spot. Protect from wind and cold nights.

• Greenhouse cultivation

Well suited to greenhouse cultivation. Maintain warmth, ventilation and regular feeding for best yields.

CARE & HARVEST

Keep soil moist and weed free. Feed weekly once flowers appear using a high-potash fertiliser. Remove any damaged leaves to improve airflow and check plants regularly for pests. Harvest fruits promptly to encourage further cropping.

• Watering: Water regularly and consistently, keeping compost moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting plants dry out during flowering and fruiting as this can reduce yields.
• Feeding: Feed weekly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser once flowering begins to support fruit production.
• Cutting and prunning: Remove any damaged leaves and excess growth to improve airflow.
• Harvesting: Cut fruits while still smooth and firm before seeds swell. Frequent picking improves yield.
• Pest and diseases: Monitor regularly for pests and remove affected growth promptly.

VERVE RECOMMENDS...

• Harvest little and often to keep plants productive and performing at their best.