30+ Organic Heirloom Chicago Pickling Cucumber Seeds- CUCUMIS SATIVUS- Non GMO-A075
Description:
The cucumber seeds originated in Asia Minor and spread globally. The Romans grew them and the Bible refers to them. In the late 1500's The Plains Indians and Iroquois obtained cucumbers from the Spanish by barter, learning how to grow these alongside the corn, beans and pumpkins they already grew. In Europe, while cucumbers were well known for several hundred years, the English in the 17th Century went through a period of uncertainty about the benefits of eating fresh fruit and vegetables and called them "cowcumbers" - fit only for cattle and toxic to humans. We know better now. Cucumbers grow well in many regions of the United States, producing prolific quantities of fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or preserved as pickles. Cucumbers are a great plant for beginning seed savers.
Planting: Direct-sow cucumber seeds after the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has warmed. Spacing Requirements In your garden, make 12 inch hills at least 6 feet apart. Plant 6-8 cucumber seeds per hill. Plant seeds 1 inch deep. After germination, thin to 3-4 plants per hill. Time To Germination 4-10 days Common Pests And Diseases Cucumbers are particularly susceptible to cucumber beetles, slugs, deer, raccoons, squash vine borer, belly rot, downy mildew, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. Pests such as cucumber beetles can be picked off and placed in buckets of soapy water. Trellising can help improve airflow around plants, thus reducing bacterial and fungal infections.
When And How To Harvest Once cucumber plants begin producing fruit, check your garden daily for ripe cucumbers. You can pick cucumbers early for making pickles or you can wait a while for larger slicing cucumbers. Eating Cucumbers add a great crunch to fresh green salads, yogurt sauces, and sandwiches. Storing Cucumbers will keep for 10-14 days at temperatures of 45-55 degrees F (7-12 C)and a relative humidity of 85-95%.
