Cucumber
Pollination Solutions
Cucumis sativus
Cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus) rely on effective insect activity for successful cucumber flower pollination and consistent fruit development. During the flowering period, pollen must be transferred between flowers to allow fertilisation and fruit formation.
In greenhouse and protected cropping systems, natural pollinator activity may be limited. Managed bumblebee colonies provide reliable pollination within the crop and help maintain consistent fruit set throughout the flowering period.
Zonda bumblebee hives provide reliable, consistent pollination for New Zealand cucumber growers.
Cucumber Flower Biology
- Some cucumber varieties are parthenocarpic — meaning fruit develops without pollination, so bumblebees are not required.
- Non-parthenocarpic varieties, such as gherkin, do require pollination. These produce both male and female flowers on the same plant; only the male flower produces pollen, though both produce nectar.
- While self-pollination can occur, cross-pollination also plays an important role in gherkin production.
- Bumblebee visits can be identified by the presence of pollen on the stigma of the female flower.
When to introduce Bumblebee Hives for Cucumber Pollination
For pollination of gherkin, MEDIUM colonies are normally used.
On delivery, a MEDIUM colony contains 50–70 worker bees and a queen, with a typical lifespan of four to six weeks depending on crop conditions.
Each hive covers approximately 1,500 m². For smaller growing areas, a different hive size may be recommended.
Introduce hives at early flowering and distribute evenly throughout the crop to encourage effective pollination between male and female flowers.
Bumblebee Hives for Cucumber Pollination
Explore Zonda Beneficials bumblebee hives for greenhouse pollination to support cucumber crop production.
Small Hive
up to 750 m²
Contains approximately 50 worker bees.
Large Hive
1100 m² to 1500 m²
Contains approximately 80–100 worker bees.
Bumblebee Hive Placement and Use
- Introduce colonies when the first flowers are open.
- Place hives on a sturdy support approximately 50 cm above the ground — sunny in spring, shaded later in the season.
- Secure hives to prevent ant access.
- After placement, allow bees to settle for 30–60 minutes before opening the flight hole.
- Bumblebees will begin pollinating shortly after their initial orientation flights.
- Bumblebees are most active between 15–25°C, and will work in temperatures from 10–30°C.
Bumblebee Safety and Crop Protection
- Bumblebees are compatible with natural enemies and biological control programmes.
- Agricultural chemicals can affect bumblebees directly (killing workers or larvae through contact or ingestion) or indirectly (treated flowers may deter foraging visits).
- Systemic pesticides absorbed through roots can have long-lasting effects. In crops that produce both nectar and pollen (e.g. sweet pepper), the impact on the colony can be significantly greater than in pollen-only crops (e.g. tomato).
- Detailed information on pesticide compatibility is available in Zonda’s Side Effects Guide.
- Before any crop treatment, activate the BEEHOME option to allow bees to enter but not leave the hive. After approximately one hour, the hive can be fully closed and either covered or removed from the crop.
- If temporarily removed, store the hive at 18–20°C.