Standard or monoecious — First 10 to 20 flowers are male. For every female flower, which produces the fruit, 10 to 20 male flowers are produced.
Gynoecious — Have only female flowers; some just have a greater proportion of female to male flowers. These plants tend to bear fruit earlier with a more concentrated set. Standard seeds are added to seed packet to ensure pollination.
Parthenocarpic — All female flowers and seedless; fruit is produced without pollination. If this type of cucumber is planted near other varieties, pollination will occur and seeds will form. Seed is expensive.
Benefits of trellising include:
• Increased total yields and yield per square foot;
• Longer and straighter fruit (easier for bees to access flowers);
• No soil-borne fruit rot since vines dry off faster;
• No walking on vines, and
• Easier to pick and a longer harvesting period.