In case you’re searching for a heat-loving cucumber different that thrives within the blazing summer season solar, Armenian cucumbers are one among my favourite crops to develop. These vigorous vines love the warmth, don’t flip bitter, and produce lengthy, crisp fruits good for consuming recent, pickling, or grilling.
What We’ll Cowl:
Are Armenian Cucumbers Actually Cucumbers?
Armenian cucumbers, additionally referred to as yard-long cucumbers or snake melons, are usually not true cucumbers. They’re a wide range of musk melon (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus) that appears and tastes like a cucumber however is extra tolerant of warmth and fewer vulnerable to bitterness.
They had been first cultivated in Armenia within the fifteenth century and are a fantastic alternative when you have struggled with bitter or heat-sensitive cucumber varieties previously. Study extra about why some cucumbers flip bitter right here.
When to Plant Armenian Cucumbers
Armenian cucumbers are perfect for sizzling climates and are one of many few crops you may plant effectively into the summer season.
For the low desert of Arizona (zone 9b and comparable):
Begin seeds indoors from February by June
Plant seeds or transplants within the backyard from March by July
Basically (for different climates):
Wait to plant till after the final frost, when soil temperatures are persistently above 65°F (18°C)
For greatest germination and progress, soil temperatures between 80 to 90°F (26 to 32°C) are ultimate
In cooler climates, Armenian cucumbers might be began indoors 4 to six weeks earlier than your final anticipated frost and transplanted after hazard of frost has handed
Direct sowing works greatest for these vigorous growers. Earlier than planting, amend the soil with compost and ensure it drains effectively.
Planting ideas:
Plant 2 to three seeds ½ to 1 inch (1 to 2 cm) deep, spaced 1 foot (30 cm) aside
As soon as seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, skinny to 1 plant per foot
Strive completely different varieties. Painted Serpent is my private favourite
The place to Develop Armenian Cucumbers
Select a sunny location with at the very least 6 to eight hours of solar. Afternoon shade might be useful in extremely popular climates however will not be important.
These vines like to climb and profit from vertical rising. A trellis helps maintain fruit straighter and makes harvesting simpler.
Use a sturdy trellis or fence
Depart at the very least 1 foot (30 cm) between trellised crops or 2 to three toes (60 to 90 cm) if permitting them to sprawl
Rotate planting areas. Keep away from areas the place melons, squash, or cucumbers grew the earlier yr
Corn makes a superb companion plant and may even function a residing trellis.
In search of vertical gardening concepts? Learn this submit.
Caring for Armenian Cucumbers
Armenian cucumbers want constant moisture however are extra drought-tolerant than frequent cucumbers.
Mulch across the base to assist retain moisture and maintain roots cool
Water deeply and recurrently as soon as vines start rising
Undecided when you’re watering deeply sufficient? This text may also help.
Pollination
These crops produce each female and male flowers. Male flowers seem first and fall off after blooming. Feminine flowers seem later and, if pollinated, turn into fruit.
Hand-pollination isn’t obligatory. Appeal to pollinators by planting close by flowers like basil, oregano, and zinnias.
Pruning Armenian Cucumbers
You don’t want to prune, however eradicating a couple of facet shoots may also help enhance airflow and handle the scale of the plant.
Minimize off any yellowing or diseased leaves
Take away some facet shoots if vines are getting too giant, however keep away from pruning the primary vine
To prune a facet shoot:
Establish the primary vine, which grows from the bottom of the plant
Discover a facet shoot rising from the bottom of a leaf stem
Minimize the facet shoot a couple of quarter inch above its connection to the primary vine
Depart some facet shoots in place to keep up construction and guarantee loads of male blossoms. Pruning will not be actual, so don’t worry when you aren’t positive what to prune. The plant will continue to grow.
When and Tips on how to Harvest Armenian Cucumbers
Frequent harvesting helps maintain the plant producing by the season.
Harvest when fruit is 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) lengthy and about 2½ inches vast
Bigger fruit has more durable pores and skin and greater seeds and tastes extra like watermelon rind
Decide early within the day and soak in ice water to enhance storage time
Use scissors or pruners to chop the fruit as a substitute of pulling it
Leaving fruit on the vine too lengthy alerts the plant to gradual or cease manufacturing.
Tips on how to Use Armenian Cucumbers
Armenian cucumbers are delicate, candy, and by no means bitter. Typically, the skinny pores and skin is tender and doesn’t want peeling.
My favourite methods to make use of them:
Uncooked in salads, sandwiches, or with dip
Pickled for a crisp and refreshing snack
Sliced and grilled or added to stir-fries
Blended into smoothies
They pair effectively with pork, fish, dill, mint, oregano, feta, and yogurt.
In search of extra ideas? Right here’s the best way to develop cucumbers in Arizona.
Closing Ideas
You probably have struggled to develop cucumbers within the warmth, Armenian cucumbers are price a strive. They deal with excessive temperatures, hardly ever flip bitter, and produce abundantly by the most popular a part of the yr.
Discover ways to backyard by the summer season warmth with this submit.
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