The Richmond Green Apple Cucumber ( Cucumis sativus ) is an heirloom variety from right here in Australia. The cucumbers are oval shaped and approximately the size of a larger lemon. This variety doesn’t have bitter skin like some other varieties, the flesh is almost white, crunchy and has a lovely mild flavour.
The plant of the Richmond Green Apple Cucumber is reasonably small and doesn’t take up a lot of room in the garden, however, it is a prolific fruiter and one healthy plant can provide an average of 10-16 kg of cucumbers in a single season.
For more edible varieties click here
Growth
Richmond Green Apple Cucumber grows as an annual and can be kept as a creeper on the ground or tied up as a climber. Cucumber will 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 and then transplant once the weather is more appropriate.
Plant is heavy yielding and fruit ranges in size between 8-14 cm (3.5-5.5 inches) in length and 6-10 cm in width (2.4-4 inches) in width.
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.
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 40 cm’s (1.3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 75 cm’s (2.5 foot)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
High
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
Average 8-10 weeks
GERMINATION RATES:
84-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 90
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Lots of health benefits.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Store a 4°C (fridge) for 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT CUCUMIS SATIVUS (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.
Eating raw cucumber on a hot day can help cool down the blood. For more information on the benefits of eating cucumbers click here.
