Cucumber question

[momto3]

My cucumber vines are growing like crazy. Every plant is loaded with flowers, but nothing is developing into cucumbers. Are the flowers not being pollinated? If so, what can I do to help them along? I am really looking forward to home grown cukes. Thanks!

Tracy

[asdjrocky]

1. When were they planted?

I'm no expert (this is my first garden this year) but I planted my seeds on 4/14, and once they were about 3 inches tall I put them in the box. Today, when looking deep in the box, I found my first big cucumber about 8 inches long, and about 5 or 6 others that are between 3 and 5 inches long, so I guess it's taken about 65 days, just like it said on the bag of seeds.

[momto3]

2. I put in plants in May.

The vines look great, with big healthy leaves and lots of flowers. The flowers are not producing cukes. That's why I was wondering if it is a pollination problem.

Tracy

[asdjrocky]

3. If they are anything like mine, you'll see some about 65 days from planting.

I find waiting for the vegetables to be the hardest part of gardening.

[Vinca]

4. Have you seen bees in the garden?

Last year I had to pollinate my summer squash with an artist's brush because there were hardly any bees to pollinate. I grow lots of flowers to attract them, so I'm hoping for better luck this year. If you've got lots of flowers that never produce cukes, it's probably a pollination problem.

[Kolesar]

5. Whoa, that's interesting. ... eom

[snacker]

6. Possible answer...

I just watched a gardening show which discussed/explained this. Apparently, there are both male and female flowers. The female flowers have tiny cucumbers right below the base of the flower blossom, male blossoms do not. It is common to have a lot of male blossoms, but in order to get cucumbers, both male and female blossoms must be open at the same time and then pollinated by bees. I know this doesn't solve your problem, but maybe it'll help you understand how this process works.

[momto3]

7. Thanks.

I am not seeing as many bees as I have in the past - I hope it is that I am not looking at the right time! I have also planted many flowers in my garden trying to lure bees to my veggies. I will try the self pollinating to see if it helps.

Tracy