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Fruit EdibleAnnual Biennial

Cucumis sativus

cucumber

The wild species of cucumber from which all other cultivars have been derived. It is a deciduous, annual, vining plant to 2m (6½ft) high, climbing by means of thin tendrils at the leaf nodes and producing yellow separate male and female flowers on the same plant the females after pollination, bearing the familiar, cylindrical, dark green, edible fruit, up to 40cm (16in) in length

Other common names
gherkin
khira
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Pets: Bitter fruit can be TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Cucumis is a genus of twining plants with tendrils which includes cucumber, melons and gerkins. Around 30 species are native to Africa and 25 to India, Southeast Asia and Australia.

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in an acidic to neutral, moisture-retentive, well drained compost and a position in full sun, in a conservatory, greenhouse, or outdoors in summer in the UK. See cucumber cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Edible fruit
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Pinch out tips of leading stems once they have reached the top of thee trellis or growing support. Laterals should be pruned two leaves beyond where a fruit is developing to divert the plant's energy into the development of the fruit, rather than into the lateral's vegetative growth

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

May be susceptible to Cucumber mosaic virus and powdery mildews

Get involved

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