How to root the stepchildren of cucumbers: the method of cuttings and propagation by layering

Cucumbers are one of the most common vegetable crops, which are cultivated both on an industrial scale and in almost every household plot. Everyone has long been accustomed to the fact that the reproduction of cucumbers occurs by sowing seeds. At the same time, only cultivation methods differ: seedling or seedless, in open or closed ground.

But what if the weather failed, and most of the seedlings died from the cold, or the seeds were of poor quality, and the germination rate was too low. As a rule, it is already too late to sow in such cases, and it is ineffective. Increase the number of plants, and extend the harvest until the first frost will help the propagation of cucumbers by cuttings or rooting stepchildren. The same stepchildren who are cut off and thrown away or sent to compost. But this is an excellent planting material, which is indispensable when it is necessary to replace the plant and increase the yield.

How to root cucumber stepchildren?

Reproduction of cucumbers by stepchildren is possible in two ways: cuttings and layering. They differ in the sequence of actions. When cutting, the lateral lash is first separated and only after the formation of the roots, the stepson is rooted. Reproduction by layering, on the contrary, begins with the formation of the root system, and only after that the side shoot is disconnected from the main stem, and it becomes an independent plant.

Cutting method

For the full development of the central stem, the plant needs to be formed. To do this, remove the side shoots. But not all stepchildren are suitable for rooting, so they choose the strongest and he althiest lashes. Technology:

Take a container (preferably dark in color) with a small amount of clean well or rain water, you can also use ordinary, but settled water. Stepchildren are placed in the container, leaving 2-3 top sheets on them, or cuttings are cut from them, each of which should have one branch from 2 to 5 cm in length.
In order to create comfortable conditions, the container is removed to a shaded place.
In order for the plant to spend all its energy on the formation of roots, all small greens and tendrils are removed, and large leaves are carefully cut, reducing at least half.
It can take anywhere from five days to two weeks to form a root system.
The water in the tank is not changed, but is regularly updated. In this case, you need to ensure that the water level is 1.5-2 cm.
When white roots form on the cuttings, then the seedlings are ready and it's time to transplant them into the ground.
You can first transplant into cups with a nutrient mixture or immediately land on a prepared bed.
Dig a hole and make a nutrient composition. Carefully, so as not to damage the roots, seedlings are placed there. 1-3 whips can be placed in each hole. After the cucumbers are lightly sprinkled with earth, poured abundantly with warm water and sprinkled with soil.

In the future, standard agrotechnical methods for caring for cucumbers are followed.

Propagation method by layering

This method is more suitable for growing cucumbers in a greenhouse or at home. Layers root more reliably, but much more slowly than cuttings. Technology:

To propagate cucumbers by layering, seeds for seedlings should be sown so that fruiting begins no later than the end of May.
After the seedlings get stronger and begin to bear fruit, pinch the tops of all the lashes. After that, the plant will begin to actively form lateral lashes.
All leaves are removed from the central stem.
When the branches grow at least 2 cm, covered with leaves and buds, the central stem is bent to the ground, fixed in this position with wooden pins and sprinkled with humus on top, while the branches remain on the surface. The layer of humus should be 1.5-2 cm.
After 2-5 days cucumber cuttings will begin to take root, and after another two weeks the whip can be divided into several parts.

In the first 3-5 days after transplantation, layering requires abundant watering and a decrease in temperature to + 18-20 degrees. Further, they need the same care as all other cucumbers.

Cucumbers obtained from rooted stepchildren give the first harvest a month after transplanting to a permanent place of residence.

Reviews

Galina Lepishina, Moscow:

“Last year the summer was cold, many cucumbers died. She was saved only by rooting stepchildren. ”

Svetlana Tomina, Kostroma:

“When I moved to the dacha, several cucumbers broke. I poked the stems into a jar of water, they gave roots. I planted it in the garden, grew he althy and pleased with the harvest. ”

Vasily Velyutin, Ivanovo:

“We were of no use, the stepchildren did not give roots. It is more reliable to sow the seeds again, by August they will be. Better than wasting time.”

Irina Berdina, p. Stupino:

“Recently, every year, when forming cucumbers, I break off the side lashes, shorten them and immediately put them in a jar of water. A week later I get a full seedling. So if a cucumber gets sick or dies, there is always something to replace it with.”

Marina Chernova, Samara:

“I know that tomatoes can be propagated by cuttings, they themselves give roots. I didn't know that about cucumbers. I only added layering.”