Warriston variety of the month
A monthly selection of fruit, veg or flowers that flourish on the Warriston site. Find more in our variety archive
Cucumber ‘Swing’ F1 April 2018…. NR
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April 2018—Cucumber Swing (all female variety)Now that the weather is easing sow cucumbers from late March to June. Harvest July to October or to first frost.
Sow seeds 1cm (1/2") deep individually in a cell tray, 3" pots or recycled plastic (shown here) in good quality, free-draining seed compost. Start off in a propagator or seal pot/container in a plastic bag and place on a windowsill. Germination takes 7 days. Plants can be grown outside, but they produce far more fruits in Scotland if grown in a green house or polytunnel. If planting outside gradually acclimatise plants to outside conditions. Feed regularly with a high potash or tomato food fertiliser once fruit appear. Grow in full sun on a sheltered site with support from netting or wire etc. Water regularly and don’t let them dry out. All-female flower varieties (no need to hand-pollinate) take the hassle out of growing cucumbers. Heavy cropper, so just one plant per family is recommended! Fruits will grow to 20cm and are great for salads and health crudites for dips, smaller fruits are ideal for snacking and kids love them. Cucumbers are mostly water, low in calories, high in potassium and the skin is rich in carotenoid antioxidants. Other all-female varieties – Bella F1, Diva & Nimrod |