Cucumbers - pinching out shoots ??

Post by **Richard** » 05 Jun 2013, 19:29

Hi,

I've been asked by someone if she should pinch out Cucumber Plant shoots to prevent them growing too high thus getting less cucumbers.

I've never done so and had 8 or so cucumbers per plant. They grow to around four feet high and I support them with sticks.

I've heard that if you do pinch out, it's when they're young and have only five leafs or so?

Also does it depend on plant gender?

I'm inclined to tell her just leave them, but thought I'd check.

Thanks, Richard >veg4<

davina112 · Post by **davina112** » 06 Jun 2013, 07:15

Morning Richard
I have not heard of pinching out shoots from cucumbers, but I am no expert

bmpsands · Post by **bmpsands** » 06 Jun 2013, 07:53

Is it the old quantity over quality debate? When we grew cucumbers (many years ago) we pinched out the shoots and got fewer cucumbers but they were enormous. This wasn't sensible for us so we used to let the plants grow on and got handier sized produce and more of them.

Homemade · Post by **Homemade** » 06 Jun 2013, 08:14

I usually leave the main shoot but stop the side shoots.

Post by **Richard** » 07 Jun 2013, 10:13

Hi

Interesting and thanks for your replies.

I gave the options and thoughts and I think they will do half and leave half.

Like everything else, gardening is experimental, some things grow, some things don't.

Richard )t'