Why cucumber seedlings stretch and how to grow them correctly to avoid this

If you do not know the specifics of growing cucumber seedlings and do not comply with the required conditions, the sprouts begin to stretch. Most often this happens due to lack of light, incorrect temperature conditions and dense plantings. In this article we will tell you what to do if the seedlings have stretched out and how to avoid this.

Why do cucumber seedlings stretch?

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 not yet enough. The seedlings rush upward, becoming thin, pale and long. The optimal length of daylight for normal development of cucumbers is 12 hours.
2. Heat. At +28°C the plant will begin to grow vigorously. Root development practically stops.
3. Incorrect watering mode. Excessively moist soil promotes the development of stems. Because of this, the plants stretch out. In addition, excess moisture leads to the appearance of blackleg disease.
4. Tight container. There is simply not enough space for the development of the root system. The plant grows green mass.
5. Thickened planting. For this reason, competition arises between individual plants. They are trying to get ahead of each other, so all their efforts are directed towards developing the green part.
6. Bad soil. This usually happens when too much nitrogen fertilizer is added. The aerial part is rapidly developing.

Why is this bad?

High-quality cucumber seedlings look strong and healthy. When pulled out, it has a thin stem, an underdeveloped root system and an excessively high shoot. If measures are not taken in time, development will stop completely. 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 provide additional illumination using phytolamps. They are installed at a distance of 5-7 cm from the top of the seedlings.

Boxes with seedlings take it outside or onto the balcony when the temperature reaches above +12°C. In the evening they are brought back into the room.

Also monitor humidity levels. The ground should be slightly damp.

For elongated shoots superphosphates are added to the soil. This helps the underground part of the plant develop faster. 20 g per 1 m² is enough.

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 remaining ones are evenly distributed.

Topping

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

How to grow cucumber seedlings so that they do not stretch

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

At the same time, such factors are monitored:

• lighting;
• soil moisture;
• temperature;
• sowing density;
• container volume;
• feeding;
• soil quality.

Organizing proper lighting

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

To prevent cucumbers from stretching, do the following::

1. Boxes are placed on windows facing south or southeast. When the plants lean towards the sun, the boxes are turned to the opposite side.
2. Artificial lighting is turned on after the appearance of the first shoots.
3. Incandescent lamps are not used, since they do not contain the blue spectrum needed by plants. Most often, fluorescent or phytolamps are used for these purposes.
4. There should be no breaks between sunlight and artificial light., so the lights are turned on before sunset. The total lighting time is 12-14 hours.
5. Plants also require night 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 cases where the top layer of soil has dried out. If overwatered, the sprouts will begin to stretch. There is also a risk of fungal diseases.

On average, water once a week with warm water - at least +22°C. It is also pre-defended for 24 hours.

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

Temperature

During growing 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 you don't reduce the temperature, they will stretch out.

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

Read also:

How to prepare cucumber seeds for sowing

How to germinate cucumber seeds before planting

Soil preparation

This soil is recommended for growing cucumber seedlings.:

• humus - 1 bucket;
• leaf soil - 1 bucket;
• superphosphate - 20 g;
• potassium sulfate - 10 g;
• ash - 1 cup.

Mix everything thoroughly to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

Containers for seedlings

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

Useful tips on the topic

To obtain high-quality seedlings, follow the advice of experienced specialists.

Basic 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. Containers for seedlings must be provided with drainage holes.
4. Until the first shoots, boxes or cups are kept under film.
5. The seedlings are transplanted to a permanent place a month after the first shoots.

Conclusion

When growing cucumber seedlings, it is important to prevent them from stretching. Otherwise, this will affect its subsequent development, and therefore the quality and quantity of the harvest. To prevent stretching, provide optimal temperature and lighting, pinch, water and feed plants in a timely manner.