Cucumber – Crystal Apple 

Overview

Crystal Apple (Cucumis sativus) is a unique heirloom cucumber variety prized for its round, pale green fruit resembling an apple. This summer salad vegetable is prolific, with a crunchy texture and juicy flesh perfect for fresh dishes.

Key Information

• Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus
• Common Name: Crystal Apple Cucumber
• Fruit Size: Round, up to 10 cm in diameter
• Crop Type: Summer vegetable
• Growth Habit: Sprawling vine or trellised climber
• Harvest Time: Approximately 60–70 days

When to Sow

Crystal Apple is a warm-season crop. Use the sowing calendar for your climate to determine the best time to plant. Ensure soil temperatures range between 18–35°C to promote germination.

Planting Guide

Site Preparation

1. Sunlight: Choose a location with 6+ hours of full sun daily.
2. Soil Preparation:
   • Loosen the soil thoroughly by digging.
   • Incorporate aged manure or compost to enrich the soil.
   • Weed the area completely and keep it weed-free until planting.

Sowing Instructions

1. Direct Sowing: Best results come from sowing seeds directly in the garden.
2. Depth and Spacing:
   • Sow seeds 10 mm deep.
   • Space plants 40 cm apart, with rows 120 cm apart.
3. Moisture Management:
   • Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging.
   • Seeds germinate in 4–10 days.
4. Frost Protection: Avoid planting until all frost danger has passed.

Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Check soil moisture by scratching 5 cm below the surface.
• Water deeply in the morning or late afternoon, avoiding the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilising

• Initial Soil Preparation: Well-prepared soil typically doesn’t require additional fertiliser.
• Optional Boost:
  • Apply a slow-release fertiliser at transplanting or when seedlings reach 5–10 cm tall.
  • Use liquid fertiliser during flowering and fruiting, as needed.

Support Options

• Ground Growth: Allocate at least 2 square meters per plant.
• Trellis Growth: Use a sturdy trellis for vertical growth to save space and improve air circulation. Secure vines gently with twine or ties as needed.

Harvesting and Storage

When to Harvest

• Ready for harvest in 60–70 days.
• Look for glossy skin and tender, young fruit.

How to Harvest

• Cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a small portion of the stem attached to prolong freshness.

Storage Tips

• Short-Term: Store in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator.
• Long-Term: Pickle cucumbers to preserve them for months.