Cucumber - National Pickling seeds - TREATED

Overview

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are a warm-season crop that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. They are versatile in the garden, offering bountiful harvests of delicious fruit. This guide also applies to similar plants like African Horned Cucumber (Cucumis metuliferus) and Cucamelon (Melothria scabra).

Key Information

• Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun (minimum 6 hours daily).
• Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter.
• Frost Sensitivity: Tender to frost; plant after the last frost date.
• Growing Style: Can grow on the ground or vertically on a trellis.
• Harvest Time: Approximately 55 days after sowing.

When to Sow

Cucumber is a warm-season crop. Refer to the sowing calendar below for the best planting time in your climate. Ensure soil temperatures are between 18–35°C for optimal germination.

Planting Guide

Site Preparation

1. Sunlight: Select a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct light daily.
2. Soil:
   • Enrich soil with aged animal manure or compost.
   • Weed the area thoroughly and loosen the soil by digging.
3. Weed Control: Keep the site weed-free before and during planting.

Sowing Instructions

1. Direct Sowing: Cucumber seeds grow best when sown directly into the garden.
2. Depth and Spacing:
   • Sow seeds 10 mm deep.
   • Space plants 40 cm apart, with rows 120 cm apart.
3. Watering During Germination:
   • Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
   • Seeds typically germinate in 4–10 days.
4. Frost Precaution: Avoid sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings until all danger of frost has passed.

Care and Maintenance

Watering

• When to Water:
  • Check soil moisture by scratching 5 cm below the surface.
  • Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Avoid Leaf Wetting: This helps prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilising

• Initial Fertiliser: If soil was well-prepared, additional fertiliser may not be needed.
• Boost Options:
  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser at transplanting or when seedlings are 5–10 cm tall.
  • Use a liquid fertiliser during flowering and fruiting stages, as needed.

Support Options

• Ground Growth: Allow at least 2 square meters per plant for sprawling vines.
• Trellis Growth:
  • Use a strong trellis to save space and improve air circulation.
  • Tie vines gently with twine or plant ties for additional support.
  • Install the trellis during planting to avoid disturbing roots later.

Harvesting and Storage

When to Harvest

• Ready in approximately 55 days.
• Harvest when the skin is glossy and the fruit is tender and young.

How to Harvest

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

Storage Tips

• Short-Term: Store in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator.
• Long-Term: Pickle cucumbers for extended storage.