Greetings all. I have pretty limited space, I am waiting for my peas to finish producing so I can yank them out and plant the Persian cucumbers I bought several weeks ago. My question is, is it better to transition the baby cucumbers into larger pots (now they are in 2x2 cells and plants are maybe 6-7 inches tall) or better to let them wait it out till the peas are done doing their thing? I've heard they do not like to have their roots disturbed too much. Such poor planning on my part. Thank you for any advise.
I'm lacking any recent experience with cucumbers. So having trouble remembering now - But I have grown Bitter Gourd many times. And I believe they are very similar vines in characteristics. So no, they hate being transplanted elsewhere. Which is why I sow the seeds wherever I want them to grow. However, let them grow to their maximum in the pot you already have them in right now - Provided that there is only one plant in one pot. Then you shouldn't experience anything negative when you plant them in their new location. It's all about not disturbing their roots. Sperating seedlings which are planted close together - Is not a good idea with such vines. Still, no harm in trying and experimenting. I mean, that's how we all learn. Besides you never know, you might do something amazing. From which we might learn! Or if the entire crop fails, even then it's a plus. As that way we learn what not to do next time.
I would plant them on into a little larger pot to wait in and let their roots develop more. Then when te peas are done, replace or amend the pea soil before planting your Persian cues. Cucumber plants can be quite hungry feeders. Good luck, 4G.
You could always pot up some, and leave some. Then you will now for next time. Also...why not put a few seeds in the ground - then you'll really know. I have a cold frame for cukes, and have transplanted a plant from a 1 gallon pot before. The plant was a gift. I always put my seeds directly in the ground, and even with my cool climate I have healthy vigorous plants. The potted up cuke was slow to get going, but did eventually produce some Engligh style cukes. The ones sown from seed always catch up and cannot be told apart, other than a little healthier. A trick that I do for when I have to pot up sensitive plants is to line the new pot with a plastic bag. I punch holes in the bottom of the bag for drainage. It allows me to slide the plant out much more delicately than bashing and squeezing a pot. I lay it down, cut the bag off and slide it in the hole. I've also cut the bottom of the bag off when I transplant, place the plant and slide the bag off when it is in the hole. Good luck! Happy growing
You are in SoCal so I would go ahead and get them in the ground as soon as possible ! Try to get them in full sun or powdery mildew will be a problem ! We have the same problem here in Texas ! When you plant them wait a week or so before fertilizing ! They will still produce even with the powdery mildew ! Bugs can also be a problem ! Let me know if you need to and I can tell you what I use for insects !
Thank you all for the suggestions. Today when I went out to look at the garden, I noticed that there were no more new flowers on the peas. So, I'll probably harvest all the peas in a week or so and get my root bound babies into the raised bed after I amend it.
