Cucumber seedlings- planting deeper or not?

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Selleri, Apr 9, 2021.

  1. Selleri

    Selleri Koala

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2009
    Messages:
    2,404
    Location:
    North Tyneside
    Ratings:
    +7,559
    I stupidly started my Piccolo di Parigi seeds way too early but the seedlings seem fine. It's time to re-pot them.

    Do I plant them deeper like I would tomatoes, burying the stems upto first leaves?

    Google results seem to disagree but bend towards planting much deeper. To me, the stems don't look like the hairy ones that readily form roots on any parts buried in soil.

    Thanks for help!

    cucumbers.jpg
     
  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2008
    Messages:
    30,685
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Surrey
    Ratings:
    +45,635
    No don't plant deeper as cucumber stems are very prone to rot. When I plant in it's final position I make a little mound of soil so the stem is kept dry. Don't over water them or splash water on leaves or stems.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

      Joined:
      Jan 9, 2005
      Messages:
      47,718
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired
      Location:
      Mid Kent
      Ratings:
      +84,360
      This is strange, as when I was a grower of many a cue I always top dressed the plants with stuff from the compost bin, and the lower stems made surface roots that went into the muck and they grew like the clappers.
      With seedlings, I agree its probably not good to bury them too deep, but stem rot is usually because the temperatures are too low and sowing too early is the reason that happens.
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • rustyroots

        rustyroots Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Oct 18, 2011
        Messages:
        2,264
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        Solihull, West Midlands
        Ratings:
        +2,946
        I bury a plant pot or milk bottle with the Bolton cut out and slits in the side and then water through that.
        Rusty
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Selleri

          Selleri Koala

          Joined:
          Mar 1, 2009
          Messages:
          2,404
          Location:
          North Tyneside
          Ratings:
          +7,559
          Thanks for your advise, I decided to plant half of the seedlings a bit deeper and half in the same depth. Both versions have been successful :scratch:

          Next question :): What do I do with the flowers? I'm a cucumber newbie and can't decide if these should be removed, left alone, or hand pollinated now that the plants are still about a month away from moving outdoors. The variety is Piccolo di Parigi.

          kurkku.jpg

          Thanks again!
           
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice