Cucumbers are so popular worldwide that it is estimated there are at least 100 varieties. They originated in India more than 3,000 years ago and found their way to Britain during the 14th century. They are considered a vital ingredient of salads and are often used as a welcome addition in a whole range of sandwich fillings, from cheese and ham to smoked salmon or even on their own. The quintessential cucumber sandwich was made famous during the Victorian era, when cucumber sandwiches, minus their crusts, would be served during afternoon tea.
Since then, the cucumber has continued to grow in popularity due its versatility. Crisp, cool, refreshing and nutritious are just some of the words used to accurately describe the cucumber, which also happens to be very low in calories too. Whether sliced, chopped, diced or made into smoothies, there is a cucumber that is just right for the job, and there are many to choose from. There are also many types including the mini cucumber, ridge, pickling, long smooth, indoor grown and outdoor grown.
Indoor or outdoor grown cucumbers?
All are relatively easy to grow, although the size of the final harvest will very much depend on whether they are grown under cover and whether they require pollinating or not. All cucumbers have virtually the same needs in terms of feeding and watering requirements. There are also cucumbers that will grow in wide range of conditions. Selecting the right type for growing in your garden or greenhouse may depend on what you intend to use them for.
Most indoor grown cucumbers will have smooth, thin skins and are perfect for slicing and adding to salads. Outdoor grown cucumbers will usually have rough, thicker skins, and therefore will need peeling. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of cucumbers so you can decide which might be the best for growing in your garden or greenhouse.
Mini cucumbers
Mini cucumbers or baby cucumbers are small cucumber varieties that are suitable for growing in small or confined spaces. They are ideal for growing in pots, small containers and growbags. One of the most popular of the miniature varieties is the Lebanese cucumber, which grows to about 10cm (4 inches), has thin skin and very few seeds. They can be supported on trellis or tied into a couple of vertical cane supports and allowed to grow upwards. Simply pinch out the growing tips when they are high enough and still easy to manage. They can be grown in an unheated greenhouse or in a sheltered, sunny position outdoors.
Cucumber Mini Munch produces a high yield of 'snack sized' fruits.....
Packet Content: 5 Seeds
Cucumber Party Time produces a high yield of 'snack sized' fruits.....
Packet Content: 5 Seeds
Ridge Cucumbers
Ridge cucumbers are so called because they are very often grown outdoors on a mound of compost, known as a ridge. At around 15cm-20cm, they are quite short with rough skins, which need to be peeled but they are prolific growers and taste great. They can be supported on trellis, netting or allowed to ramble freely over the ground. Often referred to as organic cucumbers because they will grow very well on top of a compost heap. The F1, all female flower varieties will produce the most fruits.
Bush Chamion is an outdoor bush variety, suitable.....
Packet Content: 15 Seeds
Marketmore is an outdoor ridge variety, producing.....
Packet Content: 20 Seeds
Pickling Cucumbers
Sometimes known as gherkins, the pickling cucumber is a small variety that grows to about 10cm in length when mature and is most suitable for pickling. They can also be picked when smaller than 10cm, if preferred. They are ridge type cucumbers, which means they can easily be grown outdoors. They can be trailing or bush type and generally, F1 varieties will very often produce the most fruits.
Gherkin Type, very high yielding over a long period.....
Packet Content: 12 Seeds
A bush Gherkin type, suitable for small spaces.....
Packet Content: 15 Seeds
English Cucumbers
English cucumbers go by several other names including, burpless, seedless, European and greenhouse varieties. As the latter name suggests they are typically grown in a greenhouse and sheltered from the elements. They are long, smooth fruits, which average about 35-40cm in length, with thin skins and are the types you would most often find in a supermarket. The taste of English cucumbers is sweeter than most other standard slicing cucumbers, which makes them an all-round favourite.
Cucumber Femspot is one of the best selling varieties for the home.....
Packet Content: 5 Seeds
Outdoor cucumbers
Strictly speaking any cucumber that can be grown outdoors can be referred to as an outdoor cucumber but the most common are the shorter ridge type. That doesn’t mean that longer cucumbers with thinner skins can’t be grown outdoors. It does however, mean that they will be more difficult to grow because they need to be sheltered from the elements and need a little more nurturing than ridge cucumbers. Ridge cucumbers are easier to grow and are more likely to have thick, ribbed or spikey skin. Many people say they taste just as good as the smooth types.
Bush Chamion is an outdoor bush variety, suitable.....
Packet Content: 15 Seeds
Burpless Tasty is a popular amateur variety suitable for outdoor.....
Av. Packet Content: 15 Seeds
What is your favourite Cucumber variety? Leave a comment below and let everyone know....
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