Gardening : If Bitterness Is a Problem Grow a ‘Newer’ Cucumber

Why are your cucumbers bitter? It could be cool weather, drought conditions or inadequate irrigation during fruit enlargement, low soil fertility, insect damage or disease.

Wild cucumbers contain compounds, called “cucurbitacins,” that make them very bitter. These occur in leaves, stems and roots and are likely to be concentrated at the stem rather than the blossom end of the fruit. Bitterness usually is found in the skin or directly beneath but not deep in the fleshy portion around the seeds.

Horticulturists say the amount of bitterness in a particular variety of cucumber may vary from year to year, even if grown in the same area. Some varieties seem to have a greater tendency toward bitterness than others. If bitterness has been a problem, try some of the newer cucumbers, such as the “burpless,” or change the planting location.

Cucumbers like warm temperatures and lots of sun--no less than six hours of full sunlight daily.

They need plenty of moisture or the misshapen fruit, called nubbins, will be bitter.

Uniform moisture is essential for good production, form and taste. During dry periods, water thoroughly every two or three days. A side dressing of garden fertilizer around hills after cucumbers begin to flower and set fruit helps keep plants growing and producing actively. Also be sure to control cucumber beetles, which spread bacterial wilt disease.