Cucumis sativus 'La Diva'
cucumber 'La Diva'
A reasonably compact, climbing cultivar, growing to around 1.8m (6ft) high and producing prolific crops of mini cucumbers which are smooth-skinned, sweet and free of bitterness. It is an all female variety, producing fruits without the need for pollination, which means every flower is capable of producing a fruit. This cultivar is well suited to being grown outdoors in summer in the UK, as well as in the greenhouse.
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Accepted
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
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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