Cucumbers are easy to grow and just as easy to harvest. They are high producers, and it is essential to check vines and bushes daily so that you can pick the fast-growing fruits regularly. A keen eye is needed, as most cucumber varieties also match the green hue of their vines, so they can be tricky to spot within the dense foliage.
How do You Know When Cucumbers Are Ready to Harvest?
Harvest cucumbers when they attain at least six to eight inches in length. Keep a watchful eye out for dark green skins and firm fruits. It is best to harvest these beauties on the earlier side to reap the rewards of their sweet flesh and tender seeds. They will grow bigger and can still be eaten when harvested later. However, seeds will be prevalent and pronounced, and the cucumber may have a more bitter taste than their younger counterparts. Cucumbers are not one of those vegetables that ripen when cutting early from the vine.
Plan to pick cucumbers early in the morning when the plant vines are cool and damp with dew. When harvesting cucumbers, use a sharp knife or clippers to separate them from the vine. Twisting the stems can cause tearing of the vines and cause subsequent damage to the plant. Remember that you will likely be harvesting a couple of cucumbers per day, so monitor your crop of cucumbers closely. Leaving your harvest on the vine too long will prematurely mature your plant, and it will slow its production of cucumbers.
Extending Your Season
At the end of the season, when the threat of frost is approaching, prune off any underdeveloped cucumbers to force the plant to focus the rest of its energy on those closer to harvest. You’ll get more out of the fruits and have a better chance at yielding the last vegetables of the season.
How to Preserve Cucumbers:
Keep cucumbers cool and fresh by storing them in the refrigerator. If you have an overwhelming bounty, try canning or pickling them or share them with family and friends. No one will be able to resist the overflow of your yield, and you will undoubtedly receive accolades on your green thumb.
How do You Pick Cucumbers off the Vine?
Use a sharp knife orprunersto cut the cucumber of the vine. Be sure to leave a small, one-inch section of stem attached to the cucumber. This prevents the stem end from rotting in storage if you won’t be using the cucumber right away.
When is the Best Time of the Year to Pick Cucumbers?
The best time to pick cucumbers can range between the different varieties. In general, most are ready for harvestbetween 50-70 days after germination, and they’ll continue to produce all season.
