Should you pluck the whiskers from cucumbers or is this a myth?

Should I pluck my mustache?

To understand the need to remove cucumber shoots, it is worth analyzing all the pros and cons.

So, cucumbers need runners for stem development, i.e., for the runners to cling to something. But they tend to cling not only to supports or trellises, but also to their own leaves and fruits. When clinging to leaves, they grow crumpled and twisted, which creates a favorable environment for the growth of various bacteria. Many gardeners decide that removing or at least shortening the runners is simply necessary.

The experiments conducted indicate the following.

Removing runners does not affect the quantity or quality of the harvest. Other plant care methods can be used to improve yield.

It's believed that lateral shoots drain the plant's energy, causing it to grow and develop poorly. However, it's also important to remember that plucking and trimming stems can introduce microbes, dirt, and infections into the cut areas, which can affect the plant's growth. This can cause more damage than simply not removing them.

There's also a common belief that plucking cucumber runners prolongs the plants' life. This belief is unfounded and unsubstantiated.

It's true that the presence of runners can be used to judge the reproductive stage of cucumbers. As long as runners are forming on the stem, the plant is in its vegetative stage and is capable of bearing fruit.

Trimming cucumber runners is a good idea if the crop is grown in greenhouses, as these runners cling to neighboring plants, preventing them from developing and growing normally. Removing excess runners in greenhouses and hotbeds also facilitates easier movement between plants and makes harvesting easier. This means that trimming runners makes caring for the crop easier. Therefore, trimming lateral shoots in greenhouses is highly recommended.

It is also recommended to trim them because the tendrils are temporary; after about a month they dry out and the plant, having no attachment, may fall to the ground.

If cucumbers are growing in a garden bed, to avoid subjecting them to stress, you can install nets to ensure proper plant development. Alternatively, you can install trellises and tie the cucumbers to them. Trellis are essential for growing cucumbers in a greenhouse.

Gardeners have noted that pruning runners improves stem growth. It's believed that lateral shoots draw a lot of water from the plant.

Video: "Do cucumber runners need to be trimmed?"

The video's author explains the purpose of cucumber runners, why it's recommended to trim them, and whether it's necessary.

How to pluck runners in a greenhouse

If you decide to remove lateral shoots, follow some guidelines to avoid damaging the plant. Removal must be done correctly.

Before performing the removal, be sure to wash your hands.

The whiskers are torn off at the very base. The tear site must be treated to prevent the entry of unwanted microelements and microbes. To do this, use a cotton swab to clean the cut area. You can choose one of the following substances: a weak solution of potassium permanganate, charcoal, or ash.

This procedure should not be performed manually. One careless movement could damage the plant, which could lead to rot. Removal should be done carefully with scissors. The cut should be made leaving a one-centimeter stump.

Many gardeners note that removing tendrils promotes better plant development.

Some people ruthlessly pinch off side shoots, without considering the consequences. Those who prefer not to pinch them insist that nature has endowed climbing plants with the ability to climb and grow, clinging to everything, so there's no need to hinder this. There's no definitive answer as to whether or not to pinch off cucumber runners. Each gardener must make their own decision based on the type of planting, the variety, and the growing conditions.

Video: Trimming Cucumber Whiskers

A video on how to properly trim cucumber runners and shoots.