Cucumber seeds

Cucumber and Gherkin: An Ancient Plant

The cucumber is a plant with a history that stretches back thousands of years, originating in the regions of Western Asia, likely in India and Nepal. Today, both cucumbers and gherkins are cultivated and enjoyed worldwide, thanks to their remarkable adaptability to various climates.

Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, the cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is closely related to pumpkins, courgettes, melons, and watermelons. This versatile food is commonly eaten raw in salads and soups, or pickled as gherkins. With its high water content and wealth of minerals like potassium, as well as vitamins K and C, the cucumber is a staple ingredient in many global cuisines.

Cucumber: A Monoecious Plant

The cucumber is an annual plant with soft, climbing stems that can benefit from branching or trellising, though this is not always necessary. As a monoecious plant, it produces both male and female flowers on the same plant, making insect pollination, particularly by bees, essential for fruit and seed formation. Additionally, many cucumber varieties require the presence of different varieties nearby for successful pollination.

The cucumber has a robust root system, capable of developing adventitious roots above the plant's neck. It is a vigorous plant, often reaching lengths of over 3m. Each node on the plant produces a tendril and a leaf. Depending on the variety, the fruit may be rough or smooth, with colours ranging from pale green to dark green, eventually maturing to a yellowish hue, though it is typically harvested before full maturity.

Cucumber and Gherkin Cultivation

Cucumbers thrive in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, with night temperatures ideally not dropping below 12°C. They prefer a high ambient humidity (60-70%), as low humidity can promote pests like red spider mites or disease vectors such as thrips. While cucumbers can grow under a 12/12 photoperiod, they produce better yields with increased sun exposure.

For successful cultivation, cucumbers prefer loose, aerated soils rich in organic matter, with good drainage and a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. The substrate should be maintained at a temperature of 18°-20°C, as growth is hindered when temperatures drop below 15°C.

Cucumbers are relatively easy to grow. Even in a small vegetable garden, on a terrace, or a balcony, you can achieve good results with a 10L pot and quality soil. At Alchimia, we offer a variety of cucumber seeds to suit different tastes and needs.

Buy Cucumber seeds

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Metki White Armenian Cucumber by Kokopelli

Metki White Armenian Cucumber, cucumis melo sp. flexuosus, is an exciting choice for gardeners and Cucumis enthusiasts looking for a unique and delicious variety. [...]

  • 25 seeds 3.40€

Organic Lemon Cucumber - Les Refardes

Cucumis sativus A small rounded fruit similar to a plum with a green to light yellow colour. Its flavour is mild and very exquisite. Cucumber variety with very good [...]

  • ± 20 seeds (Out of stock) 3.75€
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Rocalba Organic Marketmore Cucumber

Alchimiaweb.com presents Rocalba Organic Marketmore Cucumber Seeds, a large plant with a vigorous development and super productive. A variety that [...]

  • 3g 1.80€ 1.50€

Organic Country Cucumber - Les Refardes

Cucumis sativus A very productive Cucumber variety, large fruits with green skin. Its flesh is white with sweet flavour, not bitter at all. It requires water and n [...]

  • ± 20 seeds 3.75€

Sikkim Cucumber

Sikkim Cucumber, origin The Sikkim cucumber, also known Cucumis sikkimensis, is a perennial climbing plant from the Cucurbit family. It is native to the Himalayan mountai [...]

  • 25 seeds 3.40€

Kokopelli National Pickling Cucumber

Pickled cucumber is a product of exceptional quality for lovers of cucumis sativus. This old variety is renowned for its high productivity and unique characteristics. [...]

  • 25 seeds (Out of stock) 3.40€

Mexican Pickled Cucumber - Kokopelli

We present the Mexican pickling cucumber. It is a fascinating species, Melothria scabra, a climbing plant with abundant small fruits that look surprisingl [...]

  • 12 seeds (Out of stock) 3.40€
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