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High-yield and high-efficiency cultivation of cucumber in winter warm greenhouse
In the late fruiting stage of cucumber cultivation, the plants exhibit specific characteristics depending on the season. Autumn and winter pods are typically harvested from early March to late April, while winter pods are produced from early May to early June. The late fruiting period for winter cucumbers occurs between mid-June and mid-August. During this time, the plant's reproductive growth becomes dominant, while vegetative growth gradually weakens. This phase is critical for maintaining yield and quality, so proper management is essential.
To ensure optimal performance during this period, several key management practices should be implemented. First, temperature control plays a crucial role. From early March to mid-May, the greenhouse temperature should be maintained at 16–28°C in the morning, 28–32°C during midday, and 24–28°C in the afternoon. Nighttime temperatures should be kept around 22–18°C and 18–14°C, respectively. Due to the short duration of ventilation in the morning and afternoon, it’s recommended to transition to full-day ventilation. After mid-May, the side curtains and skylights should be fully opened to allow the internal temperature to match the outside environment as closely as possible.
Lighting is another important factor. During this stage, natural light hours are extended, and light intensity is increased significantly. Cucumber plants benefit from sufficient light, which supports photosynthesis and fruit development. To improve light distribution among the plants, regular pruning and leaf adjustment are necessary. Each plant should maintain 20–30 healthy green leaves, evenly distributed to ensure good light exposure and efficient energy utilization.
Fertilizer management is also vital. As the plants progress into the late fruiting stage, their growth potential declines, and root absorption capacity decreases. Therefore, fertilizer and water application should follow a "small but frequent" approach. Both surface fertilization and foliar spraying should be used equally. Watering should occur every 7–8 days, with one application of top dressing per cycle. The top dressing should focus on quick-release fertilizers rich in potassium and nitrogen, while foliar sprays containing amino acids and trace elements can be applied at 30%–50% of the standard rate to enhance plant resilience and fruit quality.
By carefully managing temperature, light, and nutrients, growers can effectively support the plant's reproductive needs and sustain high yields and quality throughout the late fruiting period.