The Mini Munch Cucumber ( Cucumis sativus ) is a snack sized version of the Lebanese cucumber. The skin of these little beauties are tender and mild so do not require peeling and the flesh is crisp, juicy & seedless. This variety is bred to be high yielding and one plant can produce as many as 30-40 fruits. The Mini Munch Cucumber also copes much better than many other varieties with cooler weather.
Ready for harvest in 9-12 weeks post seed sowing.
Mini Munch is a hybrid of the Lebanese cucumber. Plant hybridisation is when 2 plants are cross pollinated to create a specific variety of plant. They are also referred to as F1 hybrid varieties, ‘F1’ is an abbreviation for ‘Filial 1’, which literally translates to first children. Many people get a little worried when they see some of these terms and immediately think of lab created genetic mutants. Not the case at all, the parent plants of hybrids / F1’s are usually either open-pollinated or hand pollinated. There is no connection to horrendous practices (in our opinion) like the genetic modifying of food in laboratories (GMO). There is however a downside to F1 hybrids – they can not be used for seed saving. Very often if the variety has seeds present, when grown they will not be true to type. They are a seed that needs re-purchase each year 🙁
For more edible varieties click here
Growth
The Mini Munch Cucumber is a creeping vine that reaches lengths of up to 1 m (3 feet). This variety is best when grown (tied) to a trellis, the plant has minimal branching, They grow well during the warmer seasons and are often harvested during summer. Most cucumbers are cool weather sensitive but this variety seems to cope better than most, so will continue to provide fruit for a little longer. Cucumber plants require plenty of water. The delicious fruit of this fantastic plant mature at around 7-10 cm’s (2.7-4 inches).
In cold 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.
This variety is 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 position in the garden.
- Cucumbers need support. Using a trellis allows the vines to stretch out, prevents disease by allowing more air flow through the branches, 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:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
15 to 35°C / 59 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Compost, nutrient rich soil.
LOCATION:
Full sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 30 cm’s (1 foot)
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
High
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
Average 89-12 weeks from seed.
GERMINATION RATES:
88-92%
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 (Mini Munch 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.
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.
