Why are cucumber seedlings pulled out and how to grow it correctly to avoid it

If you do not know the peculiarities of growing cucumber seedlings and if the required conditions are not met, the sprouts begin to stretch. Most often this is due to a lack of light, improper temperature conditions and thickening of the plantings. In the article, we will tell you about what to do if the seedlings are stretched out, and how to avoid it.

Why are cucumber seedlings pulled out

Any vegetable crop requires compliance with certain conditions when growing.... If at least one of them is violated, the following problems arise:

1. Lack of lighting... When sowing seeds early, the spring sun is still not enough. The seedlings rush upward, become thin, pale and long. The optimal duration of daylight hours for the normal development of cucumbers is from 12 hours.
2. Heat... At + 28 ° C, the plant will begin to grow vigorously. Root development practically stops.
3. Wrong watering regime... Excessively moist soil encourages stem development. Because of this, the plants stretch out. In addition, excess moisture leads to the appearance of black leg disease.
4. Tight container... There is simply not enough space for the development of the root system. The plant grows green mass.
5. Thickened fit... For this reason, competition arises between individual plants. They are trying to get ahead of each other, so all forces are directed to the development of the green part.
6. Bad soil... This usually happens when an excessive amount of nitrogenous fertilizer is added. The aerial part develops rapidly.

Than it is bad

Good quality cucumber seedlings look strong and healthy... When pulled, it has a thin stem, an underdeveloped root system and an excessively tall shoot. If measures are not taken in time, then development will completely stop. Even after correcting the situation, cucumbers will take longer to harvest.

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Correction of agrotechnical errors

If the seedlings are stretched out, then the seedlings are transferred to a well-lit place.... They also additionally make illumination using phytolamps. They are installed at a distance of 5-7 cm from the top of the seedlings.

Seedling boxes taken out to the street or balcony when the temperature is above + 12 ° C... In the evening they are brought into the room again.

Also monitor the level of humidity... The ground should be slightly damp.

For extended seedlings superphosphates are added to the soil... This helps the underground part of the plant to develop faster. Enough 20 g per 1 m².

Transfer

Transplanted in cases where the seedlings grow too densely and stretch out precisely because of this (all other conditions are met). Half of the plants are planted in another box, and the rest are evenly distributed.

Topping

Some gardeners pinch the growth shoot... Then they form a bush from the upper stepsons. But this method does not always help.

How to grow cucumber seedlings without stretching

The amount of the future harvest depends entirely on the quality of the seedlings.... To obtain good seed, favorable conditions are created.

At the same time, such factors are monitored.:

• lighting;
• soil moisture;
• temperature;
• seeding density;
• container volume;
• top dressing;
• soil quality.

Organization of correct lighting

The growth of seedlings depends on the duration and intensity of lighting.

To prevent cucumbers from stretching, do the following:

1. The boxes are placed on windows facing south or southeast. When the plants lean towards the sun, the boxes are turned on the opposite side.
2. Artificial lighting is turned on after the appearance of the first shoots.
3. Incandescent bulbs do not use, since they do not have the blue spectrum required by plants. Most often, fluorescent or phytolamps are used for these purposes.
4. No breaks should be allowed between sunlight and artificial, so the backlight is turned on before sunset. The total lighting time is 12-14 hours.
5. Plants also need a night's rest... The backlight is turned off for at least 6 hours.
6. Seedlings are protected from direct sunlight... A translucent or matte film is suitable for this.

Watering mode

In the first stages of development of cucumber seedlings, watering is carried out from a spray bottle and only in those cases when the top layer of the earth has dried up. With excessive watering, the sprouts will begin to stretch out. There is also a risk of fungal diseases.

On average, watered once a week with warm water - at least + 22 ° C... It is also pre-defended throughout the day.

Important. During watering, make sure that the water only gets under the root. Drops on the green part provoke sunburn.

Temperature regime

During the cultivation of seedlings, the temperature regime is changed several times... Immediately after planting the seeds, the temperature is kept at + 22 ... + 28 ° C. When the first shoots appear, it is reduced to + 18 ... + 20 ° C. If the temperature is not reduced, they will stretch out.

After mass germination of seedlings, the daytime temperature is kept at + 21 ... + 23 ° C, and the night temperature - + 18 ... + 20 ° C.

Read also:

How to prepare cucumber seeds for sowing

How to germinate cucumber seeds before planting

Soil preparation

For growing cucumber seedlings, such a soil is recommended.:

• humus - 1 bucket;
• leafy ground - 1 bucket;
• superphosphate - 20 g;
• potassium sulfate - 10 g;
• ash - 1 glass.

Mix everything thoroughly to get a homogeneous mixture.

Seedling containers

Specialists it is recommended to take cups with a volume of 200 ml or more - in them, the root system will be able to develop normally.

Useful tips on the topic

To obtain high-quality seedlings, they adhere to the advice of experienced specialists.

Key recommendations:

1. For sowing, only light and loose soil is chosen so that it does not later turn into a monolithic piece of land.
2. Before sowing, the seeds are disinfected with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
3. Seedling containers must be provided with drainage holes.
4. Until the first shoots, boxes or cups are kept under the film.
5. Seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place one month after the first shoots.

Conclusion

When growing cucumber seedlings, it is important not to allow them to be pulled out. Otherwise, it will affect its subsequent development, and, consequently, the quality and quantity of the crop. To prevent stretching, they provide the optimal temperature, lighting, pinch, water and feed the plants in a timely manner.