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Harvest cucumbers when they reach desired size but before seeds harden for best taste.
Store fresh cucumbers in a cool, humid place or refrigerator for up to a week.
For longer storage, consider pickling.
Variations:
Grow varieties with more female flowers for higher yields.
Use row covers to protect flowers and attract specific pollinators.
Try growing cucumbers in greenhouses where manual pollination ensures success.
FAQ:
Q: Why do male flowers appear before female flowers?
A: Male flowers generally develop earlier to produce ample pollen for when female flowers appear.
Q: Can cucumbers grow without pollination?
A: Most cucumber varieties need pollination to set fruit; some parthenocarpic types can develop fruit without it but usually have different growing requirements.
Q: How can I improve pollination if I don’t have many bees?
A: You can hand pollinate by transferring pollen from male to female flowers manually using a brush or even a finger.
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