Your cucumbers look healthy and firm at first glance, but after the first bite you feel bitterness? The reasons for this phenomenon should be seen in cukurbitacins – Natural protective substances produced by these plants as a result of stress that arises through a specific error in cultivation.
they make corcuritacin, where we planted them on an inadequate position. Although we belong to thermophilic plants, they do not tolerate strong sunlight. We consider too long effects of UV rays as one of the stressful factors, through which they must produce bitter compounds.
This mainly applies to vegetables grown in a sunny position in the ground without any shields, in open space and fast drying soils. Then we can be sure that we will feel bitterness, especially by the tail and in the skin.
The factor that increases the stress in cucumbers are the white walls of the house, which reflect light. In addition, bright gravel and metal fences cause heating air and soil. In such conditions, the plant focuses more on survival than on creating tasty crops. As a result, they come out prosperous, but practically inedible.
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Cucumbers will not be bitter if we change their cultivation. Potted plants are enough to move to a position with a distributed light. It’s good when the sun reaches them in the morning, and the shadow protects them in the afternoon. This system of conditions allows you to limit thermal stress, which directly affects the taste of vegetables.
An experienced plotter advises to implement shading in the case of cucumbers planted in the ground. What is this method about?
During hot days. We unbutton such covers over the bed or attach to the supports so that cucumbers have a free air flow. This simple solution significantly improves the growth comfort of specimens and prevents soil overheating.
We can also plant high plants next to cucumbers, i.e. corn or sunflower. Some gardeners protect them with sunscreen, which works in small gardens.
We also remember to water these plants regularly and avoid sudden temperature changes. The balance in these two aspects must be preserved. Otherwise, stress and unwanted bitterness will also occur.
