TQ wrote:
"BFan" wrote in message
news:zKAsg.18232$f76.7078@dukeread06...

I had a decent cucumber crop this year, but most of them have had a strong
bitter taste on the stem side of the cucumber. If I cut away abut 1/3 of
the length of the cucumber, the rest is usually very good. What makes

them

bitter?


My cukes have been bitter when they/ve exhibited slow growth due to dry
weather and/or inconsistent soil moisture.


That's right, it's caused by stress. Fast growth on healthy plants will
keep bitterness to a minimum. Of course there are several varieties that
have been bred to eliminate bitterness. I like to grow "sweet success".
It seems to be bitter free and quite seedless even if they get too big.

Steve