Cucumber

Cucumber, scientific name Cucumis sativus, is a member of the gourd family. It is native to India and other parts of Asia. Cucumber is a trailing or climbing plant that grows to a height of 5-10 feet. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the plant produces yellow flowers. The fruit of the cucumber plant is a long, green, edible vegetable with a thin skin. Cucumbers are typically about 6-9 inches long and 2-3 inches in diameter.

In terms of growth and cultivation, cucumber plants prefer warm, sunny conditions and well-draining soil. They should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Cucumber plants are not winter hardy and should be grown in the summer months in most climates. To cultivate cucumbers successfully, it is important to provide them with adequate space to grow and to support the plants with trellises or other means to keep the fruits off the ground. The plant will develop male and female flowers. You can recognize the female by having a tiny cucumber underneath. Sometimes the plant develops a lot of male flowers first, so be patient. If you don’t see any bees pollinating. Take a male and put it on all the female flowers.

Cucumber fruits are edible and can be eaten raw, pickled, or cooked. The skin and seeds of the cucumber are edible, but some people choose to remove the seeds before eating the fruit. Cucumber fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days after harvest.

Cucumbers have several uses. In addition to being eaten as a vegetable, they can also be used in a variety of dishes and salads. Cucumber slices are often used as a garnish or as a refreshing addition to beverages. Cucumbers are also commonly used in natural skin care products and are believed to have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Propagation

Direct sow when soil is warm enough in early summer. Sow seeds individually indoors 3-4 weeks before planting outside into warm soil. Use bottom heat if possible. Transplant when plants develop third leaf.

Medicinal

Fruit is depurative, diuretic, emollient, purgative and resolvent

Links

Cucumber @ West Coast Seeds