Curved Cucumbers (2024)

FAQs

Why is my cucumber curved? ›

Cucumbers are best grown when temperature is above 65 °F. Lower temperature may affect flower bud differentiation and lead to development of curved cucumbers (Figure 1). We observed this symptom happened more often in early seasons in a high tunnel production system.

Minor fungal lesions can be cut away and the rest of the cucumber can be eaten. Cucumbers with large areas of infection are basically rotting on the vine and of course must be thrown out.

A: Curling cucumber fruits are most commonly caused by pollination problems. Cucumber flowers are pollinated by insects, mostly bees, that must visit each flower multiple times for complete pollination to produce a normal fruit.

Poor pollination - If your cucumber is funny shaped, you might have a problem with pollination. If there is a lack of insects in your garden area because you have been so diligent in removing or destroying them, you might find that there is nothing to pollinate your cucumbers.

Armenial cucumbers

Another delightful cucumber that's actually, botanically, a melon is the Armenian cucumber, also called a snake melon. This large beauty has pale green skin and light colored flesh. When mature, the fruit becomes thicker in the middle than at the ends and curves gently.

💦 Overwatering Cues

Yellow, limp leaves are the classic cry for help; they're practically waving a white flag. If the leaves sport crispy brown edges or curl up, it's a sign they're drowning in excess moisture. Wilting flowers without any baby cukes in sight?

Insect Pests

Aphids, whiteflies, mites, thrips, and mealybugs are sap feeders that cause cucumbers to be deformed. Plants require honeybees, however low insect activity interrupts the pollination process, causing deformed fruits.

A good, ripe cucumber will be firm to the touch. If it feels mushy, chances are that it is rotten. If just one end of the cucumber feels soft, but the other is still solid, you may be able to cut off the mushy parts and salvage the rest (via Farmhouse Guide).

Position them at regular intervals along your trellis or A-frame, leaving at least 12 inches between each plant. Then loosely tie the plants to sections of the trellis with garden twine. Continue doing this as your cucumber plant grows as it will encourage it to grow vertically.

Cucumber leaves curling? Temperature and humidity might be throwing a fit. Extreme heat or cold forces leaves into survival mode, curling up or drooping down. Keep the air around your cucumbers as balanced as a tightrope walker—aim for that sweet spot where they're not shivering or sweating.

Why are my cucumbers shaped funny? ›

Pointed ends are the result of a lack of water.

They too, hold a lot of water and carry this water to the fruit. Being heavy feeders, this constant flow of water carries the nutrients from the rich soil to the leaves and fruit. Vines supporting large cucumbers.

If pests, like squash bugs or cucumber beetles, are eating at your produce, your cucumbers may curl in spots that are damaged. By giving your cucumber plants enough water and nutrients, keeping them out of harsh sunlight, and pollinating by hand, you'll be able to avoid growing misshapen fruit.

Vine crops are heavy water feeders, so you should constantly check soil moisture. Cucumbers need about one inch of water from rainfall or irrigation each week during the growing season. Always soak the soil thoroughly when watering. Water sandy soils more often, but with lower amounts applied at any one time.

By giving your cucumber plants enough water and nutrients, keeping them out of harsh sunlight, and pollinating by hand, you'll be able to avoid growing misshapen fruit.

Cucumber leaves curling? Temperature and humidity might be throwing a fit. Extreme heat or cold forces leaves into survival mode, curling up or drooping down. Keep the air around your cucumbers as balanced as a tightrope walker—aim for that sweet spot where they're not shivering or sweating.

Physical Interference: If you discover newly-forming cucumbers not straight when they're sprawling on the ground, try training them up a trellis or fence. As the ovaries of cucumber flowers are elongating, young fruits can easily deform when they catch on flower petals, vines, or leaves.