Mr Fothergills D.T. Brown Cucumber Socrates seeds are fast-growing and reliable, producing high-quality, bitter-free mini-cucumbers. Ideal for sowing from February to May, these seeds can be grown in greenhouses or outdoors after acclimatisation.
5 Seeds. Fast growing, reliable 'Petita' type for large crops of high quality, bitter-free mini-cucumbers.
February to May (April to May for crops in a cool greenhouse or tunnel). In 7.5cm pots of seed compost. Sow singly into a pot edge down into the compost. Cover with 1.5cm of compost. Firm gently and keep moist.
Cover with glass, polythene or propagator lid. Keep at approx. 20-25°C. Seedlings appear 7-21 days. Remove cover when seedlings appear. Grow on at approx. 15°C. After 3-4 leaves have formed transplant 45cm apart in greenhouse beds, grow bags or large pots.
Gradually acclimatise plants to be grown in cold frames to cooler conditions before planting out in June. Train up wires, remove growing point at roof level. Untrained plants will not produce straight fruits. July to October (cooler grown crops from August).
Occasionally male flowers (those without a swelling behind the flower) may form, especially if plants become stressed, these should be removed as pollinated female flowers produce bitter fruits.
When fruits swell, give a liquid feed every 3-4 weeks.
