Cucumber Grafted Plant - F1 Carmen

A superb all-female variety with an in-built resistance to all known powdery mildew. Fruits are cylindrical, very straight, slightly ribby, dark and glossy with a short neck and are around 34-40cm long. They also keep quite well once picked. Height 301cm+. Supplied in a 10cm pot.

What's so good about grafted veg plants?We are revolutionising the home grown vegetable market with our range of grafted vegetable plants! Commercially the grafting method has been used for some time, but we've developed them for the home gardener, and early adopters have had extraordinary results: • Big increases in yield from larger, more vigorous plants - up to 75% • Earlier cropping, yet with sufficient vigour to crop well later in the season • Grow in the greenhouse or outdoors - little or no heating required • Excellent resistance to soil-borne pest and diseases - no more ring culture or grow bags - plant straight in the soil • Greater tolerance to nutritional disorders

Please note: There is a possibility that your plant will include a grafting clip, if it does, this is an integral part of the grafting process and that it should be left in place. As the plant grows it will naturally shrug off the clip.

Growing Information

On Receipt - Check the plants are moist and grow on in 10cm pots using a good quality potting compost maintaining a temperature of 16-18ºC (60-65ºF). Once the roots are filling the pot, transfer into 30cm (12″) pots.

Growing-on - Plants should be trained up towards the roof with laterals tied to horizontal wires or strings. The tips of the laterals are usually pinched out after two leaves from the main stem, provided both axils of the leaves are showing fruit buds. All male flowers should be removed and also any fruits which are being produced on the main stem itself. It is most important to ensure that the plant receives no 'check' (e.g. temperature drop, incorrect watering, lack of nutrients, etc.) as its development may be affected.

Cropping - Over-cropping must be avoided and it is sometimes necessary to thin out the fruits in the early stages. Periodical top-dressing with a compost such as John Innes (No. 1) around the base of the plant is necessary, especially if young roots are showing. A constant supply of water at the roots is essential and the atmosphere should be kept reasonably moist by overhead spraying. Stagnant conditions must not be allowed to develop. When the first fruits start to swell feed at fortnightly intervals with a tomato fertiliser.