Why Have My Cucumbers Stopped Growing?

Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:45 pm

When the cucumbers stop growing, this is the horror for many gardeners. But what are the causes and solutions? That’s what the following article is about.

• for inhibited growth of cucumbers there are several reasons such as cold temperatures, too little water or diseases
• at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius cucumbers stop growing
• sufficient supply of nutrients is important for development
• diseases and parasites weaken the plants
• regular fertilization and watering prevents problems

Different causes

There are several reasons why the cucumber stops growing. If you want to combat these causes, you must first find the problem. Common are the following:

• Cold temperatures
• Insufficient supply
• Little water
• Diseases
• Parasites

Note: Quick action is required to avoid risking the later harvest. Depending on the cause, you can take targeted action against the inhibited growth.

Cold temperatures

Cucumber plants stop growing when temperatures are too low. This is especially true for young plants. As cucumbers age, they become more resilient and can withstand increasingly cold temperatures. Nevertheless, cold temperatures are not very conducive to plant growth. At temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, cucumbers stop growing. Consequently, you should think about preferring the seedlings of Cucumis Sativus in a winter garden, a greenhouse or the apartment. Also useful can be night protection with special covers.

Note: However, a cold period does not destroy the plants. Rather, cucumbers continue to grow when cold temperatures become a thing of the past. However, the plants lag behind in development, so the cucumbers are smaller or ripen later.

Insufficient supply

The cucumber is a highly nutritious plant. They will stop growing if insufficient nutrients are available. For uninhibited growth, cucumbers need many nutrients. Among them, the following are particularly important:

• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Nitrogen

If these nutrients are missing in the soil, the cucumber plants suffer. The leaves turn yellow and the cucumbers stop growing. Likewise, the fruits may fall off the plant.

Tip: With a regular fertilization you prevent the insufficient supply of Cucumis Sativus. Add nutrients regularly or rely on a high-quality slow-release fertilizer.

Little water

An insufficient supply of water can also be the reason why cucumbers stop growing. Consequences of water deficiency are wilted leaves and drooping plant parts. If the deficiency is very advanced, the plant dies. However, if it is a permanent, moderate water deficiency, the Cucumis Sativus stops growing.

Note: The cucumber absorbs most of its nutrients through water. If it does not get enough water, it almost always means a nutrient deficiency.

To ensure an adequate supply of moisture, water the soil intensively. Be sure to water regularly so that the cucumbers always have enough water available.

Diseases

When plants stop growing, it is a sign of weakness. Diseases of Cucumis Sativus can also be considered. When fungi or viruses attack the cucumbers, they have to defend themselves against the disease. There is a lack of energy for growth. There are no blanket measures to combat the diseases, as they vary depending on the infestation.

Note: Look closely at the symptoms of the disease and determine the disease. Following this, you can target measures to combat the disease.

Common diseases of cucumbers are the following:

• Powdery mildew
• Gray mold
• Angular leaf spot disease
• Bacterial soft rot
• Cucumber mosaic virus
• Powdery mildew

Cucumber plants are extremely susceptible to powdery mildew. When a cucumber is affected by powdery mildew, it initially stops growing. Subsequently, the plants often die. If you recognize an infested cucumber plant, you should remove it immediately. Typical of the widespread disease are white coating, visible spots and dying leaves.

Angular leaf spot disease

With angular leaf spot disease, cucumbers often become rotten. Infestation also ensures that the cucumbers cannot grow normally. Preferably, the disease occurs at high temperatures and high humidity. The cucumbers turn brown, dry and no longer grow. For prevention, you should use only healthy seeds, so that the cucumbers can thrive splendidly from the beginning.

Parasites

Also conceivable is an infestation of parasites, which weaken the plants of Cucumis Sativus in the following. These use their energy to fight off the parasites, so that the cucumbers can no longer grow.

Note: The better the supply of water and nutrients, the more resistant your cucumbers will be.

Experience has shown that the following parasites and pests frequently attack cucumbers:

• Spider mites
• Cucumber aphids
• fringe winged moths
• whiteflies
• leaf miners

Fighting aphids

Especially often aphids infest cucumbers, which subsequently cease to grow. Fortunately, there are several home remedies available, Firstly, you can spray the cucumbers with a mixture of olive oil and water. In addition, water and oregano are ideal for preventing aphids in advance.

Frequently asked questions

What are typical pests of cucumber plants?

Infestation with parasites inhibits growth. Cucumber aphids, leaf miners, spider mites or whiteflies often infest cucumber plants. To prevent infestation with aphids, you can use the natural spice oregano.

What varieties of cucumbers are particularly resistant?

To avoid problems with growing cucumbers, you can rely on hardy varieties. F1 hybrid varieties, in which two varieties were crossed to combine their respective advantages, are popular. Robust varieties are, for example, Champion, Jazzer or Sprint.

How do I promote cucumber growth?

Good care and adequate supply of water and nutrients are the key. At the same time, you can grow the cucumber plants in different beds so that they always have the best nutritional conditions. With an additional trellis the cucumbers get even more light.