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Texas Gardening

Thanks to whoever gave me the Japanese cucumber seed

10 years ago

Someone (and for the life of me I can't remember who) gave me some Japanese cucumber seeds at the SAPS this spring. I remember them telling me they could take the heat.

Well I'm not a huge cucumber fan in general. But I harvested the first two yesterday in 104 degree temps and it was great! Not a trace of bitterness, some seeds but not too many. I direct seeded (maybe mid April?) and they came up really easily. Definitely will be a staple in the garden from now on.

Really wish I could remember who it was, but maybe they'll see this in case they don't come to the fall swap.

Lisa

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Comments (9)

cynthianovak
10 years ago
I didn't give you the seeds, but I was fortunate to try one of these cukes from a Japanese line dance friend. It was crisp, moist and flavorful. More like an English cuke than any I have grown. This was picked and shared Saturday in the heat.
roselee z8b S.W. Texas
10 years ago
Lisa and Cynthia, it's good to know about the cukes. Lisa, I wonder if the seeds were given to you by Sheila. She passes along lots of good veggie seeds, but I don't think she gets on this forum much. We'll find out next SAPS swap which is Oct. 12..
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southofsa
Original Author
10 years ago
Cynthia- I agree. It is more like an English cucumber. Really tasty.

Roselee- That's who it was! I kept thinking Shirley but I knew that wasn't right. She knows about all kinds of off the radar herbs and veggies. I hope she comes this fall.

Lisa
plantmaven
10 years ago
Can I trade you some seeds of columbines for cucumber seeds? I love cucumbers.
Kathy
plantmaven at gmail dot com
southofsa
Original Author
10 years ago
Kathy- I'd be happy to save some seed, but I have a question. I have cantaloupes planted about 15 feet away. Can they cross pollinate? Sorry - you know how advanced I am at the seed saving stuff :-) if they don't I'll save some from the next one I cut up.

Lisa
plantmaven
10 years ago
Here is what I found, "Unlike squash plants and other melon plants, cucumber and cantaloupe plants will not cross-pollinate."
Leave one cucumber on the vine so it will make mature seeds. I don't know about the Japanese, but with regular cukes the seeds are not mature in the eating size.
But don't worry about it I will just buy a pack of seeds.
cynthianovak
10 years ago
The middle image looks like the "cuke" I ate. It had the "c" like shape. I wonder if this is what you are growing? The skin on this image looks rather gray, and the one I ate appeared more green. But notice what the description says about how much it laughs at heat. c

Here is a link that might be useful: it may be a melon!
southofsa
Original Author
10 years ago
Here's a pic. Cynthia, I think it looks most like the third one in the page you linked. But I'll definitely try to save seed. Kathy I'll be happy to send you some if you want to take a chance. I'd recommend a trellis. It really likes to climb.

Lisa
cynthianovak
10 years ago
The one I ate looked most like yours! That green color, strong curve and pointed tip.

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