Growing Cucumbers in hydroponics requires some preparation but can be a real art to accomplish. Due to the way cucumbers grow, in all types of gardens they require support to grow upright. Using plant Yo-yos or netting works well.
Cucumbers grow well in an expando drip garden, deep water culture, or in ebb & flow using rockwool slabs.
With all types of hydroponics gardens listed, a pH value between 5.5 and 7.5 should be maintained for growing cucumbers. For more information on pH click here.
When mixing your own nutrient for any of the above types of gardens for hydroponics, the following recipe should be followed.
Cucumbers
Mixing directions based on
grams/1000
liters
| CaNO3 |
833 gr |
| KNO3 |
450 gr |
| K2SO4 |
223 gr |
| KH2PO4 |
174 gr |
| NH4NO3 |
29 gr |
| MgSO4 |
355 gr |
| TE |
25 gr |
| HNO3 |
50 ml |
|
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If you would prefer a pre made nutrient solution, we suggest starting with Dutch Nutrient Formula
Gro A & B. Once flowers begin to show, switch to Dutch Nutrient formula Bloom A & B.
For increased flower sites and stronger healthier plants, try mixing some enrichment products such as DNF Gold or Black to enhance the size of vegetables and the flower sites available on your plants.
Seed can be expensive, but germination is usually close to 100 percent. Therefore one seed per container is sufficient. The seed should be planted about ½ inch deep in growing medium.
The European Glasshouse varieties are popular and grow quickly in hydroponics. These varieties develop fruit within 60 to 70 days without pollination. Cucumbers are heavy feeders so make sure you keep the nutrient level at it’s optimum with an E.C. meter or make sure you change your reservoir at least every 4 to 5 days.
As is the case with most hydroponcis plants baring fruit, cucumbers as well will grow best with HID lighting indoors. It is easy to start cucumbers from seed but you can also transplant established seedings from the nursery. Make sure to rinse roots off thoroughly with cold water when transplanting established plants from soil and other medias into your hydroponics garden.
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