Cucumbers

[jax]

We have two cucumbers in the greenhouse.  Both were happy last week, but this week one has gone floppy and looks like we could lose it.   The other one is fine - both treated the same.  Anyone know what might cause this please?

[jax]

[tim]

Before thinking of things like 'wilt', check that it hasn't slipped down on its support & broken its stem? = Tim

[derbex]

And have a look at the base and see if the slugs have been at it.

Mine go all floppy with heat and not enough water -but probably not such a problem this week :)

Jeremy

[jax]

Thank you.  Will check stem but I thought it was OK.  Plenty of water, both treated exactly the same and the other one is perky.  Will look for signs of slugs.   Thanks again.

[budgiebreeder]

Has it been stood in water they rot from the stem quite easily.I water mine through a bottle directly to the roots.

[jax]

They are both in a grow bag with a sunken plant pot in middle to water into.

[tim]

OK - 'in the middle' - it's perfectly possible that the compost on one side dries out, & is then unable to take up the water/food.

And the drainage holes are the same both sides?? = Tim

[jax]

Thanks Tim.  I'm going to have a good delve tonight and find out what is happening.  I never thought of that.  Also wonder if greenhouse floor could be off level.  Will check when I get home.

Again, thanks - much appreciated.

[kenkew]

One of mine showed signs of leaf stems collapsing. Close inspection showed the collapse point exactly where a solitary greenfly was sitting. Sure enough, the other stem doing the same thing had a greenfly at that point too. So, seems like just a single greenfly can create havoc.

[jax]

Thanks, I'll check.  I might take a shotgun too!

[cleo]

Ants?-I did give a warning.

Stephan.

[Debs]

Going off on a bit of a tangent here but...

Sowed my cucumbers earlier in the year and kept them in the greenhouse which was heated at first.  When weather momentarily grew warmer my cucumbers didn't (grow i mean ;D)

Why would that be?

Should I have maintained a highish temp for them?

They still look healthy but haven't grown and are still at small 3" height ???

What can I do to resolve this ???

Debs - novice cucumber grower.

[tim]

Debs  - we're all novices in the grander scale of things?
1. First, most cus only need warmth to germinate. Thereafter they are happy at 60deg+.
2. When did you plant? - in or out ? - before the weather got warmer? Were they well hardened off first? And well watered in? And not flooded? What brand are they?
3. If you have plenty, un-pot or dig one up (carefully) & see what roots it has. Report back!

jax - you didn't say whether it recovered? The one on the right has twice collapsed in the heat, only to recover with watering. Despite having exactly the same treatment as 5 others. = Tim

[Debs]

Tim,

They were planted in a greenhouse and have not been put outside.  I took them to allotment greenhouse today where I planted them into slightly bigger pots - roots looked healthy enough.  Shall wait and see if dramatic growth takes place... :)

Debs

[jax]

Thanks for all your help.  Unfortunately the sick cucumber has snuffed it.   :'( Now trying to eat 5 small cucumbers rescued.

Checked absolutely everything mentioned and have found nothing wrong.  It must have been fed up. Roots weren't dried out or anything - no pests to be seen.  Have removed it and got rid of plant.  Other plant still happy.  Have absolutely no idea why we have lost it.

Thanks.

P.S.  Can't get to computer at weekends, hence delay in reporting back.

[tim]

R.I.P! = Tim

[jax]

 ;D