Telegraph Cucumber

[Newtothis]

Okay I went looking for an aubergine plant to put in my last big tub on the patio and as there weren't any left came out of the shop with a cucumber plant.

It's a telegraph cucumber plant and I'm not sure what I'm doing to be honest. I read when I got home on the side of the pot that it can be kept in the greenhouse, but it doesn't specifically say it's a greenhouse variety. Does anyone have experience with this one. Also it says something about growing along wires. I have put a cane to support it and it's now out in the garden.

[Lesley Jay]

Hi NTT, the Telegraph cucumber variety is really a greenhouse crop. You will need to keep it in a sun trap that isn't windy outside. You also have to remove all the male flowers immediately to stop the female flower getting pollinated by them as this causes the cucumbers to taste bitter. The female flowers have a little tiny cucumber 'bump' behind them whereas the male flowers are just on a straight stem. Don't worry about wires, this is just a way of training them in a greenhouse. A cane is fine (6 foot!).

A note to anyone else reading this - Every cucumber variety is different. Some need the male flowers removing others don't. So please ask if you are not sure!

[lisa4star]

I grew cucumbers last year (first year growing anything). I grew them from seed (not sure which variety - packet just said cucumber) and then put them into my greenhouse with a cane for support. I watered them and apart from that did nothing to them and I had an abundance of cucumbers which were delicious and so are growing them again this year. Fingers crossed last year wasn't just beginners luck!

[Lesley Jay]

Hi Lisa, that's great! I'm sure you will have just as much success this year!! I give my cucumber plants a feed every week once the flowers and tiny fruits start to form with an organic liquid seaweed feed. Whoops!! Nearly forgot - Welcome to our forum!!

[Newtothis]

I made the mistake of not hardening it off before planting it out yesterday so it's looking like it might not survive .

Gosh Lisa that does sound like a good easy vegetable to grow, I hope mine survives so I can experience the delights of cucumber growing too .

[Shaun]

might need some help with my cue then as its in the garden and dont know what flavor it is, why carnt growing things be easy