title:Snake cucumbers in the greenhouse – half the harvest is well snaked
How to grow snake cucumbers in the greenhouse?
To grow snake cucumbers in the greenhouse, choose special greenhouse varieties such as Kalunga F1 or Doninica F1. Sow the seeds in pots from March, prick out the plants and plant them in the greenhouse from May. Offer climbing aids for growth and ensure optimal care conditions such as sufficient watering, fertilization and protection from pests.
Snake cucumbers or cucumbers are grown in greenhouses, especially in colder regions. Because they love warmth, moisture and light. To be able to harvest and enjoy the tastiest cucumbers, here are the best tips for choosing the variety, growing, caring for and harvesting snake cucumbers in the greenhouse.
Which varieties of snake cucumbers grow better under glass?
Not all snake cucumbers can tolerate the greenhouse climate. Therefore, pay attention to the relevant information when purchasing seeds or plants. If you want to grow snake cucumbers in the greenhouse as early as possible without heating, simply use outdoor varieties such as the Tanja country cucumber. Other recommended greenhouse varieties are the snake cucumber Helena or the following F1 hybrids:
- Kalunga F 1 – aromatic variety up to 35 centimeters long
- Doninica F1 – mild aroma, up to 30 centimeters long variety
These two snake cucumber varieties are sensitive to wind and cold. They prefer consistent, moist warmth and a place protected from the wind under glass. However, a shade net should protect it from the heat of the blazing midday sun.
Prepare snake cucumbers under cover, prick out and grow
In the temperature-controlled greenhouse, snake cucumbers can be grown in pots from March (€6.00 on Amazon). Place 2 seeds each in a pot half filled with potting soil and cover with a finger's thickness of soil. With high humidity and a temperature of at least 20° degrees, the seeds germinate in 1 to 2 weeks. As soon as the first green leaves appear, sort out weak seedlings. So that one young plant per pot continues to grow.
From May you can grow one snake cucumber plant per square meter in the greenhouse. For the long and fast-growing shoots, the snake cucumbers need a climbing aid in order to climb up in a controlled manner. As soon as the main shoot wants to go through the roof, use the trellis to redirect it in a different direction and remove the tips after 30 centimeters.
Care tips for snake cucumbers in the greenhouse
Before planting greenhouse cucumbers, it is recommended to improve the soil quality with manure, compost or horn meal. During the season, organic fertilizer and nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus support he althy and productive growth. Pruning out the side shoots in a timely manner also has a positive effect on the flower and fruit setting. During fruit formation, snake cucumbers in the greenhouse absorb a particularly large amount of water. Therefore, water the cucumbers sufficiently and correctly every day but avoid waterlogging.
Optimal protection against diseases and pests
Snake cucumbers are inherently better protected from pests under cover than in the open air. Typical greenhouse cucumber diseases and pests such as spider mites can be avoided.
Tip
Check regularly that the tendrils don't slip or snap! Especially when the weight of ripe fruit pulls the plants down. It is better to wind the cucumber shoots around the trellis often and attach them.
