6 Reasons Why Cucumber Fruit Turns Yellow and Dries Out

Lack of pollination

This is the number one reason. Pollination is a crucial part of the fruit formation process. Infertile ovaries simply fall off the bush. Why does this happen?

So, temperature is crucial for the pollination process. At temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius, pollen becomes sterile. Bees also don't want to fly into a greenhouse if it's too stuffy. So what should you do if the bees aren't coming? Ventilate the room, but avoid sudden temperature changes.

In open spaces, such problems shouldn't occur. Just wait out the bad weather, and the pollinating bees will reappear.

Video: How to Pollinate Cucumbers

In this video, agronomists will explain how to properly pollinate cucumbers.

The plants are densely planted

When planting seedlings in the ground, it's important to properly distribute and calculate the area required for the normal growth of each plant. This is important because densely planted plants interfere with the normal development of neighboring plants, impede root development, and also begin to shade each other, leading to a lack of light. This latter problem is, of course, more common for plants grown in greenhouses than in open spaces. Therefore, it's important to remember that cucumbers have a fairly well-developed vegetative system, so they must be planted according to the instructions. However, the planting pattern should not be denser than two or three cucumber plants per square meter of soil. It's also important to remove tendrils and side shoots to avoid weakening the parent plant.

Don't let plants grow wild. If left untrained, they will form vines, intertwining their leaves.

Lack of nutrients in the soil

When cucumber leaves turn yellow, dry up, and fall off, it could be due to a mineral deficiency, resulting in a deficiency or excess of nutrients in the soil. This could be due not only to improper addition of certain elements to the soil or a simple deficiency, but also to improper watering, improper temperature control in the greenhouse, or poor air and gas conditions. The optimal temperature for cucumbers is considered to be: 22-24°C (72-75°F) for growing, and 23-26°C (73-79°F) during the fruiting phase. What is the minimum temperature? If the soil doesn't warm above 13°C (55°F), the ovaries will turn yellow and dry out. Temperature fluctuations are also very harmful, which is especially common for plants grown in greenhouses.

Some cucumber varieties require abundant watering, which can cause certain nutrients to be washed out. Therefore, nitrogen-potassium fertilizers are so important for cucumbers during the fruiting period.

Lots of ovaries

Modern hybrid cucumber varieties are designed for high yields. They produce fruit in virtually all leaf axils, where the ovaries form. Naturally, all the energy and juices go into them.

What should you do if this happens? Pick off the ovaries before they open.

Incorrect watering

This reason requires particularly careful and meticulous consideration. Proper watering is essential for the normal development of any plant. What do you need to know about properly watering cucumbers? The soil should always be sufficiently moist, but never overwatered. If this does happen, simply let it dry out for a few days.

You can also increase the number of female flowers on a plant by watering it. Simply avoid watering the bushes for a few days; this will significantly increase the number of ovaries.

Avoid watering cucumbers with cold water, as this can ruin the entire crop. Remember to loosen the soil well. What if you can't water your cucumbers on time? During the final watering, mulch the beds with mown grass or hay.

Diseases

Cucumber ovaries can also turn yellow as a result of diseases that affect the leaves, the harvest, and the crop itself.

You need to protect yourself from them. How can you do this? Never plant cucumbers in the same place where they were planted last year. Always replace the soil.

When choosing a cucumber variety, it is worth paying attention to its resistance to certain diseases.

If your plants are affected by diseases, what should you do? Treatment, of course. To reduce the risk of powdery mildew, treat the soil with potassium permanganate. What should you do if you notice problems with cucumber ovaries drying out? Eliminate all factors that adversely affect the ovaries, leaves, and the entire crop.

Video: "Why do cucumber ovaries turn yellow?"

This video reveals the cause of yellowing of the ovary and ways to eliminate it.