When cucumbers stop growing, that's the nightmare for many gardeners. But what are the causes and solutions? That is what the following post is about.

In a nutshell

  • There are various reasons for stunted growth of cucumbers such as cold temperatures, too little water or diseases
  • cucumbers stop growing at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius
  • adequate supply of nutrients is important for development
  • Diseases and parasites weaken the plants
  • Regular fertilization and watering prevent problems

Different causes

There are various reasons why the cucumber stops growing. If you want to combat these causes, you must first find the problem. The following are common:

  • cold temperatures
  • Inadequate supply
  • Little water
  • diseases
  • parasites

Notice: Fast action is required in order not to risk the later harvest. Depending on the cause, you can take targeted action against the inhibited growth.

greenhouse cucumbers

cold temperatures

Cucumber plants stop growing when temperatures drop too low. This is especially true for young plants. With increasing age, the cucumbers become more resilient and can also withstand increasingly cold temperatures. Nevertheless, cold temperatures are not very conducive to plant growth. At temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the cucumbers stop growing. Consequently, you should consider growing Cucumis Sativus seedlings in a conservatory, greenhouse or indoors. Night-time protection with special covers can also be useful.

Notice: However, a cold period does not destroy the plants. Rather, the cucumbers continue to grow when the cold temperatures are a thing of the past. However, the plants lag behind in development, so the cucumbers are smaller or ripen later.

Inadequate supply

The cucumber is a heavy-consuming plant. These stop growing if insufficient nutrients are available. Cucumbers need a lot of nutrients for uninhibited growth. This includes in particular the following:

  • potassium
  • magnesium
  • nitrogen

If these nutrients are lacking in the soil, the cucumber plants will suffer. The leaves turn yellow and the cucumbers stop growing. The fruit can also fall off the plant.

Tip: Regular fertilization prevents the Cucumis Sativus from being inadequately supplied. Add nutrients regularly or use a high-quality slow-release fertilizer.

Little water

A poor supply of water can also be the reason why cucumbers stop growing. Consequences of the lack of water are withered leaves and hanging parts of plants. If the deficiency is severely advanced, the plant dies. However, if it is a permanent, moderate lack of water, the Cucumis Sativus will stop growing.

Notice: The cucumber absorbs most of its nutrients from the water. If she doesn't get enough water, it almost always means a nutrient deficiency.

To ensure adequate moisture supply, you should water the soil intensively. Make sure you water them regularly so that the cucumbers always have enough water available.

diseases

When plants stop growing, it is a sign of weakness. Diseases of the Cucumis Sativus can also be considered. If fungi or viruses attack the cucumbers, they have to defend themselves against the disease. There is a lack of energy for growth. There are no blanket measures to combat the diseases, as these vary depending on the infestation.

Notice: Carefully look at the symptoms of the disease and identify the disease. You can then use specific measures to combat the disease.

Common cucumber diseases are as follows:

  • powdery mildew
  • gray mold
  • Angular leaf spot disease
  • Bacterial soft rot
  • cucumber mosaic virus

powdery mildew

Cucumber plants are extremely susceptible to powdery mildew. If a cucumber is attacked by powdery mildew, it will initially stop growing. The plants often die afterwards. If you spot an infested cucumber plant, you should remove it immediately. White coating, visible spots and dying leaves are typical of the widespread disease.

Angular leaf spot disease

With the angular leaf spot disease, the cucumbers often become rotten. An infestation also ensures that the cucumbers can no longer grow normally. The disease occurs preferably at high temperatures and high humidity. The cucumbers turn brown, dry and stop growing. To prevent this, you should only use healthy seeds so that the cucumbers can thrive right from the start.

parasites

Also conceivable is an infestation with parasites, which subsequently weaken the Cucumis Sativus plants. These use their energy to ward off the parasites so that the cucumbers can no longer grow.

Notice: The better the supply of water and nutrients, the more resilient your cucumbers are.

Experience has shown that the following parasites and pests often infest cucumbers:

  • spider mites
  • cucumber aphids
  • thrips
  • white flies
  • miner flies
Aphids on cucumbers

Control aphids

Aphids often infest cucumbers, which then stop growing. Fortunately, there are several home remedies available. One is to spray the cucumbers with a mixture of olive oil and water. Water and oregano are also ideal for preventing aphids in advance.

frequently asked Questions

What are typical pests of cucumber plants?

Parasite infestation inhibits growth. Cucumber aphids, leaf miners, spider mites or whiteflies often infest the cucumber plants. To prevent aphid infestation, you can use the natural spice oregano.

Which cucumber varieties are particularly resistant?

To avoid problems when growing cucumbers, you can rely on robust varieties. The F1 hybrid varieties, in which two varieties have been crossed in order to combine the respective advantages, are popular. Robust varieties are, for example, Champion, Jazzer or Sprint.

How do I encourage cucumber growth?

Good care and an adequate supply of water and nutrients are the be-all and end-all. At the same time, you can grow the cucumber plants in different beds so that they always have the best nutrient conditions. With an additional trellis, the cucumbers get even more light.

Category:

Vegetable garden