How much do you know about cucumbers? Most people don't think much about this plant. Well, not unless you learn its healthful benefits. Cucumbers are popular warm, tender-season vegetables that bloom providing that proper care is given to them.
The plants need frequent watering during the growing season, and they have shallow roots. Besides, they are quick to grow, which is why regular harvesting is essential to prevent it from turning into yellow.
Fresh cucumbers in the basket
Lots of hard work goes into a productive vegetable garden, which includes preparation of the area, watering and weeding. Don't let all your effort go down the drain by inaccurately timing your harvest! Reap a successful harvest by knowing when to pick cucumbers.
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So, When To Harvest Cucumbers?
It may be hard for some gardeners, in particular for the novice ones, to determine exactly when to harvest cucumbers. There are a few visual signs and scales that will tell you the right time. And these signs are as follow:
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Right in Size
Not like other fruits, cucumbers stop to mature after picking. The fruits require an extended growing period and are ready to pick in fifty to seventy days. If you harvest ripe cucumbers at the exact time, rest assured that it will only give your throat a sweet taste.Harvest the fruit when you know it is already right in size (which is typically 8 to 10 days after the earliest female flowers open.
Color and Firmness
You'll also know a cucumber is ready to harvest by its color, firmness, and size. When planting the vines, ensure to read the seed pack or plant label. It must consist of a precise measurement of how long the vegetables will get. Also, the seed pack or plant tag will indicate the number of days you can pick the cucumber after germination.The climate condition also affects the vegetables' growth rates, so you may find the harvesting period not exact. When you softly squeeze the cucumber, it must give you a firm touch, plus the color should be a good medium to dark green. The color depends on the type of variety you're growing. A yellowish or white shade may occur to some cultivars.
A hand picking cucumbers from the garden
It is best to pick the cucumbers as early and often as possible, so the vine will be encouraged to produce longer during the season. Do not allow the vegetables to become over ripe. Also, do not leave it on the vine for a longer period; otherwise it will develop a harsh taste. The cucumbers become fully matured at different times on the vine; hence it is important to harvest them as they're ready.
Length
For those who are asking when to harvest cucumbers prickly for making gherkins or sweet pickles, they must be 2 to 6 inches long.Dill pickles are best to harvest when they're already three to four inches long. Burpless varieties are ideal for picking at 1 to 1 and 1/2 inches in diameter, while the slicing cucumbers should be harvested if it's already 6 inches, depending on the variety.
You are likely to pick the fruits every day or two in the peak of the season. It is suggested to harvest it early in the morning when the vines are still cool.Now that you know the visual signs and scales of accurately picking the cucumbers, the next concern that may be arising into your mind is how to harvest the fruits.
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How to Harvest Cucumbers?
To make your harvest sweet and less stressful, consider these important tips and guidelines in mind:
Young and fresh cucumber in an open ground
But Why Are My Cucumbers Prickly?
So, you've got a prickly variety of cucumber? There are various types of cucumber, and some are a bit prickly. Thus, it's a regular thing. Even though they are prickly, a perfect taste is guaranteed. Such a beautiful fruit creation!
Cucumbers are widely part of the Cucurbit family, together with melons, squash, and pumpkins. They are categorized into two: slicing and prickling varieties. Some of the prickly cucumbers have small little hairs, while others are all out spines.
It is believed that some cucumbers are prickly due to a reason similar to that of camouflaged animals or those with horns: to shield themselves from predators.
So, Is It Safe To Eat Prickly Cucumbers?
The spines onto the fruits are not necessarily toxic. However, you may feel very uncomfortable eating them. Fortunately, there are healthy choices you can depend upon to enjoy the delicate taste of this favorite fruit. You may peel it if the prickles are on the large side.
A basket of freshly picked cucumber
Those with tiny furry prickles can simply be washed. If the result is least as you expect it, you can make use of a vegetable brush for getting rid of these hairy prickles.
Conclusion
Harvesting cucumbers is an easy and fun adventure at the same time, providing you follow these simple tips and suggestions for your next harvest. Indeed, things will be a lot easier if you know when to harvest cucumbers. For those who love cucumbers, growing them in your garden could also be possible, and in fact, you will enjoy harvesting them at the right time.
Enjoyed reading this article? May you found this post valuable in knowing when and how to harvest your cucumbers properly. Stay updated as we may give you other informative, helpful topics such as how to store tomatillos and how to store radishes.
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Have a fun, productive harvest!