While this interesting vegetable has a lot of the characteristics of a cucumber, it is actually from the melon family! The Armenian cucumber can be taken care of much like any other cucumber, producing striped green fruits that have few seeds and are best when harvested around 12" long and less than 2 1/2" wide. Try out this unique variety in your garden this year and you will not be disappointed!
Cucumber: Stripe Armenian
- Planting: When temperatures are consistently above 60°F (80°F is even better, as these cucumbers love heat!) plant your seedlings 18" to 26" apart in direct sun in rich soil (for best results, amend soil with compost 2 weeks prior to planting). Watch for cucumber beetles which feed on the foliage and transmit diseases, also keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.
Watering: Cucumbers need consistent, deep watering for the best success. Water frequently and deeply when first transplanted to prevent transplant shock, and once well established water deeply and often enough so that the soil is consistently moist, but not soggy (try 3x per week and adjust as needed)
Harvesting: Harvest early and often to encourage increased formation of fruit. Ideally, harvest fruits once they reach around 12" in length and are no more than 2 1/2" in width. Keep an eye out for harvestable cucumbers everyday, as these plants are notorious for increasing fruit size drastically when left on the plant beyond peak harvest windows. Always cut the fruit off of the vine, as pulling can damage vines, and leave about an inch of stem on the fruit, to help maintain freshness.