English Cucumber Vegetable Seeds Packet

1. Culinary Uses:

• Ideal for fresh eating, slicing, and garnishing.
• Commonly used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and sushi rolls.
• Can be blended into smoothies, juices, and cold soups.

2. Nutritional Benefits:

• High in water content (over 95%), making it hydrating and refreshing.
• Low in calories, rich in vitamins K and C, and a source of antioxidants.
• Aids in digestion and hydration, promoting overall health.

3. Companion Planting:

• Grows well with beans, corn, radishes, and marigolds.
• Avoid planting near potatoes or aromatic herbs like sage.

Light:

• Requires full sun (6-8 hours daily) for optimal growth.
• If growing indoors, provide grow lights for sufficient exposure.

Soil:

• Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
• Enrich soil with compost and organic matter to improve fertility.

Watering:

• Requires consistent moisture, particularly during fruit development.
• Water deeply 1-2 times per week, ensuring soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Temperature & Climate:

• Thrives in temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C).
• Sensitive to frost and should only be planted when temperatures are stable.

Fertilization:

• Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or organic compost.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent excessive vine growth over fruit production.

Watering:

• Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
• Water at the base of the plant to prevent leaf diseases.

Trellising & Support:

• Use trellises, cages, or stakes to support vines and keep fruit off the ground.
• This promotes better airflow and prevents disease.

Pruning & Training:

• Remove excess lateral shoots to encourage higher fruit production.
• Regularly trim dead or damaged leaves to improve plant health.

Harvesting and Seed Collection

1. When to Harvest:

• Harvest when cucumbers are 10-14 inches long and firm.
• Pick regularly to encourage continuous production.

2. Collecting Seeds:

• Most English cucumbers are seedless hybrids and will not produce viable seeds.
• If growing an open-pollinated variety, allow cucumbers to fully mature and collect seeds.

• Common Pests: Aphids, cucumber beetles, spider mites.
  Use row covers, neem oil, or insecticidal soap.
• Common Diseases: Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew.
  Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.