The Lebanese Cucumber ( Cucumis sativus ) is an old heirloom variety that can be dated back to the 12th century. These cucumbers are very popular around the world due to their beautiful, non-acidic flavour, their fast growing, heavy cropping, smooth edible skin and burpless characteristics.
Unsurprisingly, this variety originated in Lebanon. Although we call it a Lebanese Cucumber here in Australia because our Lebanese migrants brought the variety with them, which we are very grateful for; it is also known as in some countries as a Persian Cucumber.
Please note: Our Lebanese Cucumber seeds are organic and untreated. Unfortunately, Australian Biosecurity does not allow vegetable seeds into the country unless they are treated. For this reason, we either grow the vegetable varieties we sell ourselves or source the seeds from Australian organic farmers. Cucumbers along with many other edible seeds in Australia have been treated with a chemical called Thiram. Thiram is toxic to humans and animals and is actually banned in the EU. We do not recommend purchasing ANY seeds that have been treated with toxic chemicals.
For other varieties of cucumber see Sweet Burpless Cucumber, Mini Munch or Richmond Green Apple
Growth
The plant of the Lebanese Cucumber is best grown up a trellis to allow air flow through the vines and prevent some disease. However, it can be allowed to grow along the ground in a clump naturally and some people have great success growing cucumbers this way. The vine of this variety can spread as long/tall as 1.5-1.8m (5-6 feet), so spacing of at least 50cm is required.
The fruits can grow quite a bit larger than the preferred harvest size, for best flavour and softer seeds they are usually picked between 12-18 cm in length. Use a knife or secateurs to pick fruit regularly (instead of tearing) to encourage more fruit.
Cucumbers grow well during the warmer seasons and are often harvested during summer. Cucumbers are frost sensitive and require plenty of water. In colder climates, it can be an advantage to sow seeds early indoors or in a greenhouse.
Cucumbers are often attacked by insects such as aphids, white flies, spider mites and their very own cucumber beetles. Companion planting can assist with some of these pests as can a mix of Peppermint Essential Oil (3 drops into 1 litre) sprayed directly into the soil.
Lebanese Cucumbers are suitable for growing in Pots.
6 Quick Tips on Growing Cucumbers
- Wait until it is consistently over 15°C / 59°F before sowing or transplanting outdoors. Temperatures below this can stunt their growth or weaken the vines.
- Start with soil that is nutrient-rich in compost. Cucumbers are heavy feeders and experts suggest giving them plenty to start off with. And add some more regularly.
- Full sun. So often cucumbers are thrown into the garden bed with lots of other vegetables. And because they only reach a short height 60 cm (2 feet) can easily be crowded out by taller plants.
- Cucumbers need support. Using a trellis allows the vines to stretch out, keeps the fruits off the ground and takes pressure off the plant when fruits are getting heavy.
- Cucumbers require lots of water, experts suggesting up to 2.5 cm (one inch per week) and more during hot periods. Try to water the ground as fungus is more prevalent on plants with wet leaves.
- Bees. Probably the most important tip here. Although cucumber flowers are bright yellow they aren’t as attractive as others in the garden. Adding lots of highly scented companion plants nearby will increase the number of flowers pollinated. Check out the companion plants under the Germination Instructions tab.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Cucurbitaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
15 to 35°C / 59 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Compost, nutrient rich soil.
LOCATION:
Full sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 60 cm’s (2 feet) – if grown on the ground.
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metre (1 foot) – if grown on the ground.
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
High
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
Average 8-9 weeks from transplant – 9-12 weeks from seed.
GERMINATION RATES:
83-91%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 40
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Store a 4°C (fridge) for 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT CUCUMIS SATIVUS (Lebanese Cucumber)
Cucumbers have been cultivated for at least 3000 years and originated in India. Written records place the humble cucumber in France during the 9th century, England in 14th and reached North America by 16th century.
They are marketed as either burpless or seedless, as the seeds and skin of other varieties of cucumbers are said to give some people gas.
An old wives’ tale claims that if you plant your cucumbers before sunrise on the first day of May while wearing your pyjamas, no bugs will eat them.
There are many medicinal and health benefits of eating cucumbers.
