Heat Stress High temperatures cause cucumbers to produce more cucurbitacin, a bitter compound. Provide shade and water deeply to prevent heat stress.
Irregular Watering Inconsistent watering leads to bitterness. Keep the soil evenly moist by watering at the base early in the morning.
Nutrient Deficiency Lack of potassium and nitrogen can cause bitter cucumbers. Use a balanced fertilizer to ensure proper nutrition.
Overripe Cucumbers Cucumbers left on the vine too long develop bitterness. Harvest them when they’re firm and medium-sized for the best taste.
Tart Cherries A natural source of melatonin, tart cherries can help regulate sleep cycles and improve overall sleep duration.
Genetic Factors Some cucumber varieties naturally produce more cucurbitacin. Choose "burpless" or low-bitter varieties for sweeter cucumbers.
Too Much Sunlight Excess direct sun exposure can increase bitterness. Use mulch and plant cucumbers in an area with partial afternoon shade.