In June, gardeners begin to notice ovaries appearing on the whips of cucumbers. However, sometimes the bushes start to drop them.
This phenomenon can occur due to many reasons, but one of the main causes is a lack of fertilizers, specifically a deficiency in potassium.
Usually, hybrid varieties of cucumbers produce good fruit, so they require proper and timely feeding. Potassium is essential for the formation and growth of cucumbers.
When there is a shortage of potassium, the bushes begin to drop fruits they cannot grow. If you notice the ovaries turning yellow and wilted, you should immediately feed the cucumbers with potash fertilizers.
Before applying any top dressing, ensure that the cucumbers actually lack potassium. Many beginners in cucumber cultivation often make mistakes in forming the bushes.
For hybrid varieties marked F1, you must remove all flowers, ovaries, and side shoots from the central stem up to the 5th leaf. This helps the cucumbers bear fruit better. Neglecting this process may result in the bushes being unable to manage the load and dropping the ovaries.
Other reasons for ovary shedding include lack of water, insufficient light, cold weather, and hard soil. Cucumbers thrive in light, fertile soil that can absorb and retain moisture well.
How to Feed Cucumbers with Potassium?
You can prepare greens with potassium monophosphate, which contains phosphorus and potassium that boost the yield and taste of the fruits.
Alternatively, you can use potassium humate, an organic fertilizer that is well absorbed and contains other beneficial elements. This fertilizer is available in liquid form.
The pH of the soil for cucumbers should be 6.0 – 7.2. Cucumbers do not grow well in acidic soil, so avoid using products that acidify the soil, such as potassium sulfate.
Another option is wood ash, which supplies cucumbers with potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and other essential minerals. The alkaline reaction of the ash ensures that soil acidity will not increase.
To apply, dissolve 150 grams of ash in a bucket of water and let it sit for a couple of hours. Apply 500 ml of the solution under the root of each plant.
With the right feeding, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest all the way through autumn!
