Cucumber Fertilization - Knowledgebase Question

Gibbsboro, NJ
Avatar for craig25
Question by craig25
March 19, 2000
With the Varroa mite killing the wild honey bees,I may want to try to manually fertilize the cucumber flowers. Are the flowers individually sexed and will brushng the flowers with a Q-tip work? Thanks.


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Answer from NGA
March 19, 2000
On most varieties, both male and female flowers will appear. A number of male flowers appear first to ensure a good ratio for pollination. Female flowers can be identified by a slight swelling at the base of the petals, almost like a mini fruit. A cotton swab would probably work, as does a soft paintbrush.

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