The ever-versatile cucumber isn’t held in high esteem here at Gardenerd (much like bell peppers, its flavor takes over everything it touches), but we’ve come to love them–and grow them–for the express purpose of making spa water or pickles, or perhaps they find their way into a nori roll or Tadzhik. Over the years we’ve grown several heirloom varieties, but our recent planting of Armenian cucumbers has outperformed all the others.
We planted in late March, early April (and were replanted at least once due to nibblers) after amending the soil with homemade compost and worm castings. Despite a freak late-season hail storm (hello, Los Angeles?), the shredded sprouts bounced back.
Armenian cucumbers setting fruit in May/June
We use drip irrigation to keep our cucumbers happy. They like moist soil, but not wet – cucurbits don’t like wet feet. We train the vines up a trellis, guiding the tendrils around a sturdy metal trellis, that has been reinforced with coated re-bar stakes.
Go on vacation, come back and this is what you find.
Feed with compost and worm castings again mid-season. To harvest, simply cut the stems with pruning shears. Then slice, dunk or place delicately over your eyelids for that spa experience.
Two of many cucumbers to harvest.
You’ll find a lot more information about growing cucumbers here. Got a favorite cucumber dish? Share it here for other Gardenerds to try.
Great! Thanks for a swift response!
Sorry about the confusion. I meant to say that in general, I find that both peppers and cucumbers take over everything they touch (and for many people, they also keep coming back). The flavor is purely cucumber-y, though. So if you like that, you’re in business. (And, BTW, these Armenian cucumbers are supposedly “burpless” too). They are great for pickling.
Like all cucumbers, they require warm/hot weather to grow. They need full sun. They grow best in hot weather over 50-65 days.
As far as health benefits, Armenian Cucumbers are technically a melon, rather than a cucumber (botanically speaking, anyway). I couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary about them nutritionally, but if I come across anything, I’ll update this post.
Pickles? Need recipes, Can cook with these? Add them to salads – flavor is vaguely referred to relative to green peppers? more into please! Recent.y Dr. Oz suggested endive have anti carcinogenic qualities – any health benefits from these? Season required? Southern Ontario warm enough?
Hi it grows It grows in Southern ontario !