It seems that just yesterday the bushes were covered with small cucumbers, and today some of the ovaries have turned yellow, shriveled and simply fallen off. Such a situation is familiar to many gardeners, especially in the middle of summer. The good news is that in most cases the problem can be quickly fixed if you find its true cause.
Why this happens
1. The plant lacks nutrition
During active fruiting cucumbers spend a huge amount of nutrients. If the soil is exhausted, the bush is not able to “feed” all the ovaries and starts dropping the excess ones.
Once every 7–10 days feed the cucumbers with complex fertilizer or organic infusions. Especially important are potassium and phosphorus, which are responsible for fruit formation.
Incorrect watering
Both overdried and too wet soil equally harm the plants. Because of sharp fluctuations in moisture the cucumbers experience stress and can drop ovaries.
Water only with warm water, preferably in the evening or early in the morning. In the heat maintain even soil moisture, not allowing it to dry out.
Strong heat
When the temperature rises above +30…+32 °C, the pollen becomes less viable, and the plant directs strength to survival, not to the harvest.
In the hottest hours light shading with agrotextile or netting will help. It is also worth mulching the soil so that it retains moisture longer.
Thickened plantings
If the leaves completely cover one another, air circulates poorly, and there is too little light. In such conditions some of the ovaries stop developing.
Regularly remove yellowed and old lower leaves, and also do not allow excessive thickening of the vines.
Insufficient pollination
For bee-pollinated varieties this is one of the most common causes. If the flowers were not pollinated, the ovary starts to yellow and dry up.
To attract more insects, plant dill, marigolds, phacelia or other nectar plants nearby. In a greenhouse sometimes you have to help with pollination by hand.
Too many fruits on the bush
A strong bush also has its limits. If a very large number of cucumbers form at the same time, the plant can drop some of the young ovaries naturally.
Regular collection of ripe fruits helps stimulate the appearance of new ovaries and reduces the load on the plant.
How to avoid the problem
Follow several simple rules:
- water only with warm water;
- do not allow the soil to dry out;
- feed the cucumbers throughout the entire fruiting period;
- regularly collect the harvest;
- provide good lighting and ventilation;
- in the heat protect the plants from the scorching sun.
If you pay attention to the first yellowed ovaries in time, most of the harvest can still be saved. Cucumbers quickly react to proper care and already in a few days start actively growing new fruits again.