are my cucumbers supposed to look like this?

whompy 7/18/2013, 10:28 am

Hi- 1st year I've planted cucumbers (straight 8 variety). The vine is growing like crazy, and i've got tons of cucumbers growing. The first one I picked tasted okay- not great, but not bad. The 2nd one was terrible and bitter. I don't think I let them grow too big- they were right around 8 inches. Are they supposed to be a solid dark green? Because none of my cucumbers are. Each cucumber has some dark green, some light green, and some real light streaks. They look like these cucumbers: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnuf/4922675145/in/set-72157624389192569 I thought they were supposed to be a solid, dark green, but I can't leave them on the vine anymore because then they'll get too big. So I'm wondering what straight 8s look like when they're ready to pick. Thanks for your help!

**camprn** 7/18/2013, 10:59 am

If they are getting bitter, pick them when they are smaller. If you keep them picked the plant will try to make more. The color looks normal to me.

greatgranny 7/18/2013, 11:02 am

whompy wrote:Hi- 1st year I've planted cucumbers (straight 8 variety). The vine is growing like crazy, and i've got tons of cucumbers growing. The first one I picked tasted okay- not great, but not bad. The 2nd one was terrible and bitter. I don't think I let them grow too big- they were right around 8 inches. Are they supposed to be a solid dark green? Because none of my cucumbers are. Each cucumber has some dark green, some light green, and some real light streaks. They look like these cucumbers: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnuf/4922675145/in/set-72157624389192569 I thought they were supposed to be a solid, dark green, but I can't leave them on the vine anymore because then they'll get too big. So I'm wondering what straight 8s look like when they're ready to pick. Thanks for your help!

I think that the bitterness is normal. When using them for a cucumber salad my Mom always told me to put the sliced cucumbers into some salt water for a while. It did take the bitterness out.

When you peel them make sure that none of the dark flesh is still one.

About the color - I don't think that the color matters if they are still not too large. Personally, if I'm going to use them for pickles I pick them when they are smaller. I love to pick some of the little ones for making sweet pickles.

Marc Iverson 7/18/2013, 12:48 pm

I'm used to the ends being bitter, but nowhere else.

brainchasm 7/18/2013, 5:19 pm

Pick them smaller, and make sure the watering is very consistent. Stress and age make cucumbers bitter.

Goosegirl 7/19/2013, 6:24 pm

brainchasm wrote: ...Stress and age make cucumbers bitter.

Sounds like some people I know! rofl

GG

TxGramma 7/20/2013, 12:51 am

but also true! rofl

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are my cucumbers supposed to look like this?

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