Early Fortune Heirloom Cucumber

Cucumbers require well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and full sun exposure. The soil should be rich in organic matter and the plants need consistent moisture. Cucumbers are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season.

Direct sow seeds in spring after danger of frost has passed. Seeds should be sown 2-3 per hill with hills spaced at least 3' in all directions. Alternatively, seeds may be sown along a trellis with 12-24" final spacing between plants. Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 7-10 days. Cucumbers may also be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost.

Once the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden. When transplanting, be sure to handle the seedlings gently to avoid damaging the delicate roots.

Insect Pests

Cucumbers are susceptible to several insect pests, including cucumber beetles, aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and squash bugs. Although usually not a significant problem, these pests can occasionally cause significant damage to the leaves and fruit, leading to reduced yields and poor plant health. It is important to monitor for pests regularly and take appropriate measures, such as using insecticidal soaps or organic insecticides, to control their populations.

Diseases & Other Problems

Cucumbers are susceptible to a number of diseases and disorders, including cucumber mosaic virus, powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, and anthracnose. In addition, overwatering, underwatering, and poor air circulation can also lead to issues such as root rot and leaf spot.

The ideal harvest time will depend on the variety, but in general cucumbers are best harvested when they are about 6 to 8 inches long and still firm. Simply cut or gently twist them from the vine, being careful not to damage the plant. Store fresh cucumbers in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to a week. Cucumbers can also be pickled or preserved for longer-term storage.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Cucumber plants require pollination to produce fruit, and cross-pollination can occur between different varieties. If you want to save seeds from your cucumbers, it's best to isolate them from other cucumber varieties to prevent cross-pollination. Armenian cucumber is technically a melon and should be isolated from honeydew and muskmelon.

HARVESTING SEED:

To extract seeds from cucumbers, allow the cucumber to fully mature and turn yellow on the vine. Cut the cucumber open lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and pulp. Place the seeds in a bowl of water and let them ferment for a few days. During fermentation, the pulp and debris will separate from the seeds and sink to the bottom. Skim off the debris and rinse the seeds thoroughly. Then, spread them out on a paper towel to dry for several days, stirring occasionally to ensure even drying. Once the seeds are fully dry, store them in a cool, dry place.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Under ideal storage conditions (cool and dry place), cucumber seeds can maintain their viability for up to 5-10 years.