prickly cucumbers??

rosie383

So, in a nutshell, I should just pull out all the cucumber plants that are growing? Or can I do anything with them? It seems such a waste.

chrisbur

Lotus-eater wrote: »

I've only ever grown outside cucumbers, I think greenhouse cucs are the ones that you have to remove the male flowers more on.
But it depends on the variety IIRC.

Yes spot on with that, I have only ever grown indoor cucumbers, didn't know that outdoor ones are different till now. I must remember in case I grow any or I will be picking all the male flowers off and not getting any fruit.

Primrose

I think the best way of avoiding prickly cucumbers is to grow the mini varieties. I've grown these for three years now and pick them when they're about 6 inches long. They're smooth skinned, deliciously crisp and cruncy and picking them seems to encourage more to grow.

Lotus-eater

I grew two types of miniature cucumber this year, both were prickly

Primrose

Lotus-eater. What varieties were they? I grew Patio mini and they have been as smooth as a baby's bottom. I wonder if the prickles develop as a result of rapidly changing conditions which means the skin needs to grow them to protect itself in some way.

Lotus-eater

Mirella and Wautoma from real seeds, just had a look and they aren't really miniature cucs, but they sort of were, certainly not full sized.