are my cucumbers supposed to look like this?

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!

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.

@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.

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

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

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

  Sounds like some people I know! 

GG

  but also true!