Cucumber Merlin F1

Grow Delicious, Crunchy Cucumbers with Cucumber Merlin F1

Craving fresh, homegrown cucumbers this summer? Look no further than Cucumber Merlin F1, an all-female midi cucumber, 12-15cm long, bred for the greenhouse or polytunnel. It’s easy to grow and gives consistent yields of delicious, crunchy cucumbers. Being all-female, it sets fruit without any pollination, so it’s worth picking off the odd male flower if one appears, as pollinated fruit can taste bitter.

Get Your Cucumber Seeds Started:

• Timing: Sow from February to March if your greenhouse is heated, or April to May for an unheated greenhouse or polytunnel.
• Warm & Cosy: Start seeds in pots or coir coins at 21°C (70°F) using a propagator or a warm windowsill with plastic covering.
• Sowing Depth: Sow seeds on their edge, 1-2cm deep, in quality compost or coir, keep moist.

Growing Strong Seedlings:

• Upsize & Pot On: Once established, move them into 30cm pots (around 15 litres), or plant two to a grow bag, with good drainage.
• Watering & Humidity: Keep compost moist, especially during hot weather. Consider floor watering in greenhouses for humidity.
• Temperature: Plant them into the greenhouse once it stays above 12°C (54°F) at night, usually late May if it isn’t heated.

Climbing & Training:

• Vertical Growth: Train plants upwards on wires or canes for optimal space efficiency.
• Pinching: Pinch out the main stem tip when it reaches the roof, and side shoots 2 leaves beyond each female flower. Stop any side shoots without flowers at about 60cm.

Feeding & Care for Happy Plants:

• Happy Plants, Happy Cucumbers: Feed plants weekly with a balanced liquid fertiliser for optimal growth and delicious fruit.
• Identify Female Flowers: Look for tiny cucumbers forming behind them, indicating potential fruit.

Harvesting Sweet Success:

• Pick in the Morning: Harvest early for the best flavour.
• Use Sharp Tools: Cut cleanly with a knife or secateurs to encourage further fruiting.

Bonus Tip: Regular harvesting promotes continuous production and ensures you enjoy fresh cucumbers throughout the summer!

Discover more view our entire cucumber seed range or vegetable seed range.