Cucumis sativus Cucumber

Planting position: Full sun. Ideal for regions with warm seasons. Spacing of 30 cm and 1m between rows.
Requires regular watering (less during germination period). Well-draining, compost-enriched loamy soil and generous layers of mulching (avoid the stem). Added 2:3:2 to preparing beds, at a rate of 100g.m ² and 3:1:5 during flowering period (monthly). Pinch out the growing tips once 6 leaves have been produced and finally cut side-shoots (those not bearing fruit) down to 8 leaves. Growing cucumbers on a trellis saves space. Provide the support and tie the main stem to it. Tie shoots where necessary. Pinch out the growing tip when the main stem reaches the top. Train the following side-shoots left and right.
Propagate from seed, pre-dusted with a proprietary brand of fungicide, and sown in situ.
Harvesting is done from 3 months after sowing. Pick fruits with a length of 15 - 30cm.
Pests, diseases and their cures: Powdery mildew and Downy mildew - spray with copper oxychloride. Pumpkin beetle and 28 spotted ladybird - spray with carbaryl. Red spider mite - use dicofol control.

This trailing plant has velvety stems, hear-shaped foliage and tendrils to climb with. The Cucumber has male- and female flowers borne on different plants. The small fruits behind the calyx know female flowers. This vegetable has a high sugar and vitamin content and is a most popular salad vegetable.