genetic endowment dictate that most cucumbers have cutis stretch with dark-green chlorophyl . So , unless you ’ve planted a naturally yellow - fruited variety , cukes that are turning yellow are a cause of concern . conditions may play a character , and that ’s not something you’re able to manage . But cukes also turn yellow for avoidable reasons . Our tips help you sympathize why they ’re doing it and how you’re able to amend the trouble .
The Cultural Connection
The chlorophyll responsible for the green color of most cucumbers mask yellowed or orangish pigment called carotenoids . When cultural trouble contract a plant ’s chlorophyl production , the carotenoids in its fruit ’s pelt follow to the surface . These problems admit :
Although you ca n’t do anything about it , your cuke yield will start lose the wet and atomic number 8 it demand to make chlorophyl when the temperature is over 86 ° F ( 30 ° C ) .
Avoiding Cultural Yellowing
To prevent most yellowing , give your cukes the right grow circumstance and regular TLC :
Soil and Sun
Plant your cucumber in well - debilitate , organically robust soil where they ’ll receive at least six hours of daily sun . If necessary , amend your planting site by working a 2 - in layer of organic compost into the soil one calendar month before planting your seed . For even Lord’s Day vulnerability , plant in farm bed angled toward the noontime sun .
Watering and Feeding
cuke need between 1 and 2 inches of weekly water , including rainfall . In the heat of the summertime , 2 inch is better . For slow , inscrutable absorption , water twice every week with a drip system or soaker hose . When the vines start flowering , feed them with an constituent , slow - release balanced fertiliser applied at the label ’s recommended charge per unit . A formula hold back sulfur and other essential food ensures sight of chlorophyll .
Expert nurseryman ’s tip : The easiest way to fed cucumber is to scatter a granular fertiliser over the earth around the vines , at least 8 inches from their floor . Rake it softly into the soil ’s open and water well .
Trellis before Planting
Before planting your cuke seminal fluid , install a trellis in the cuke bed for for each vine . train them to grow vertically prevents yellowing have by soil - borne pests and diseases . It also simplifies pruning excessive leafage that shades their developing cukes . And at crop time , it piss the fruit easier to spot so you ’re less likely to leave it on the vine too long .
Row Covers and Shade Cloths
robe your cukes with textile rowing cut through to protect them from insect - related yellowing . The permeable cover have atmosphere , water and sunlight in while being heavy to keep cucumber mallet , aphids and other leaf - consume pests out . Where summer temporary worker regularly exceed 90ºF ( 32.2 ° C ) , forbid sun scald with 40- to 50 - percent compactness shade fabric . Get the covering fire or cloths at your garden supplying store .
Know the Right Time to Pick
Most cukes are quick to pick between 50 and 70 Clarence Day after come germination ; check your seed packet for your plants ’ day - to - harvest routine . slice varieties typically need more time than pickle ones . As another measuring marijuana cigarette , allow from eight to 10 days from the time each distaff flower on a vine is pollinate until its baby cucumber is ready to pick .
Expert nurseryman ’s summit : Most right cukes are shiny to deep green and firm to the touch modality . They have crisp flesh and subdued , translucent seeds in small , gelatinous source cavities .
Harvest your cucumber too soon in the morning when they ’re ull of wet , and keep pick them every other day . Once you stop picking , your vine will stop producing .
