Cucumbers in polytunnels and cross-pollination

[Kevin Wright]

I am growing Burpless Tasty Green as usual in my solartunnel this year, and am thinking of also growing Marketmore. As both these have male and female flowers, and the instructions on the packet say not to remove the male flowers,I was wondering if there is any risk that they will cross-pollinate and produce bitter fruit? Any advice and experience would be much appreciated!

[alan refail]

Hi Kevin

They will almost certainly cross-pollinate. Whether they produce bitter fruit only time (or a more knowledgeable grower than me)will tell. However, both varieties you mention grow well outdoors. When I have grown a number of varieties close together outdoors I have never had bitter cucumbers.

Alan

[Kevin Wright]

Thanks Alan, that's helpful, if you've had no problems outdoors then the polytunnel should be no different - we'll give it a go!

[fen not fen]

I grew Passandra (all female) and Marketmore in the same tunnel last year and didn't notice any bitterness.