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Cucumber - Crystal Apple

SKU: CU24608A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
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Approximately 40 seeds per gram.

Cucumis sativus

Lot# CU24608

An unusual heirloom cucumber variety that originates from the Australia – New Zealand area that was first introduce to North America in 1934.   Crystal Apple produces small round golf ball to half tennis ball sized greenish white - yellow cucumbers that are ready in about 60-70 days. If picked regularly, they will continue to yield. They are crisp and have a sweet flavor with no bitter after taste you get with some cucumber varieties. Enjoy them when they are young. They make a great addition to any salad, especially when picked young.

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Planting Instructions
  • Direct sow 3-6 seeds 12mm-2.5cm (½-1") deep in hills, space hills 1.2-1.5m (4-5') apart each way and thin to the strongest 3 seedlings per hill. If rows are preferred direct sow 3-6 seeds 12mm-2.5cm (½-1") deep 20-30cm (9-12”) apart in rows 90cm (36") apart and thin to strongest plant every 30cm (12”).  Use a trellis if available as cucumber like to climb.  For transplants, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before last spring frost, placing 3-4 seeds 12mm (1/2") deep in fair sized pots. Keep the temperature at least 21-26˚C (70-80˚ F).  When two or three leaves appear on each plant, cut off all but the strongest plant with scissors. Before planting them in the garden, "harden" the seedlings by setting them outside during the day for a few hours and longer each day afterwards. They should be planted no sooner than a week after the last spring frost, when the air temperatures consistently average 18-24˚ C (65-75˚ F).  Transplant to hills or rows and install trellis if available.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8.
  • Planting Depth:  12mm-2.5cm (½-1") deep.
  • Germination:  8-10 days.
  • Height at Maturity:  Vining type.   Spread: 1m (36”).  Can be trellised
  • Days to Maturity:   60-65 days for maturity from transplants.  
  • Watering:    An inch of water a week ensures good growth, whether vegetables are grown in single or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week affects how much you should water your garden.   Keep soil consistently moist.  Inadequate or inconsistent watering may cause irregular growth and you may end up oddly shaped cucumbers.  We utilize drip irrigation to keep leaves dry and slow disease development.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning:  30-45cm (12-18") between plants in rows that are 121-152cm (4-5’) apart.
Additional Information
Cucumbers love heat and cannot endure even a light frost.  If cold temperatures threaten, cover the seedlings. Since cucumbers love to climb, providing a trellis will save space in your garden and produce straighter cucumbers that are easier to pick; however, the vines will simply spread out over the ground if no trellis is provided. Some gardeners use a planting technique called the “3 sisters”, where they plant cucumbers squash and climbing beans with corn, since the 3 plants types will benefit each other and the cucumber, squash and beans will climb the corn. Planting several radishes with cucumbers seems to repel damaging cucumber beetles.  Cucumbers do not like being planted near potatoes or aromatic herbs.
Cucumbers grow fast and don’t demand a lot of care. Keep the soil consistently moist with an inch of water per week.  Inadequate or inconsistent watering may cause irregular growth and you may end up oddly shaped cucumbers.   If possible, utilize drip irrigation to keep leaves dry and slow leaf disease development.