How to Know When Burpless Cucumbers Are Ripe
Burpless cucumbers are known for being easy to grow and easy on the digestive system, but you must know when they are ripe in order to maximize your return on the work invested. A cucumber removed from the vine too early may be too firm and lacking in flavor. Harvesting too late will leave you with cucumbers that are woody and dry. Knowing when you planted your cucumbers and how they should look when ripe may help you determine when to harvest them. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Examine the seed packet for information regarding how long your particular burpless cucumbers should take to ripen and their expected size. Burpless cucumbers typically take about 50 to 70 days from planting to turn ripe. Size at picking time may range from 3 to 8 inches, depending on the intended use. Note on a calendar or in a notebook the date on which you plant the seeds. Begin inspecting the cucumbers for signs of ripeness six to seven weeks after planting.
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Inspect the cucumber's skin. A ripe cucumber usually has skin that is medium to dark green in color. Yellow skin on a cucumber indicates that it is past its prime.
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Feel the cucumber. Ripe cucumbers are firm. Cucumbers that are over-ripe are typically puffy, have wrinkled tips and sunken areas.
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Tips & Warnings
Always cut your cucumbers off of the vine rather than pulling them. Use gardening shears to separate the cucumber from its vine.
Yellow skin may also indicate too much water or a nutrient imbalance. If your cucumbers turn yellow before the anticipated ripening date, they are likely overly hydrated or not getting the nutrients they need.
References
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