How do bush cucumbers compare with vining varieties?
Cucumber USA
I am interested in trying out some bush cucumber varieties this year, would anybody be able to comment on the pros and cons compared with a regular vining variety, particularly for burpless cucumbers. They look like a good way to save space but I do not want to compromise on yield. Many thanks in advance.
Posted by: Maggie Muffins
(8 points)
Posted: March 27, 2013
Answers
Bush cucumber varieties are great because they cut back significantly on space needed. There is a yield loss (about 15 cukes for vining and about 10 for bush) though if you can fit more plants that will eventually make up for the loss. One thing to keep in mind with bush varieties is that diseases become a problem because there is a lot more shading due to leaves overlapping. I really think it's personal preference though because the fruit quality is just as good in either type of cucumber.
Posted by: Kathryn Fiedler
(72 points)
Posted: March 27, 2013
Kathryn Fiedler commented,
it depends on your area. We have serious downy mildew issues in VA so we try to grow resistant varieties to help prevent losses.
over 9 years ago.
Pros - high yields in a small space.
You can plant more plants close together, so compromising on yield is not an issue. They work great for pickling as you get a nice supply of stocky compact fruits at one time, and they make good pickles. They are fine for eating fresh too, but if you want long slicer type fruit, this is not it.
Cons - my experience over the last five years is that they are not long season, especially if the weather gets hot - plants tend to decline or produce few fruit. I have also had problems with spider mites. Still, the bush pickles are my favorites for pickling.
You can plant more plants close together, so compromising on yield is not an issue. They work great for pickling as you get a nice supply of stocky compact fruits at one time, and they make good pickles. They are fine for eating fresh too, but if you want long slicer type fruit, this is not it.
Cons - my experience over the last five years is that they are not long season, especially if the weather gets hot - plants tend to decline or produce few fruit. I have also had problems with spider mites. Still, the bush pickles are my favorites for pickling.
Posted by: Charlie B.
(4 points)
Posted: March 27, 2013
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