Cucumber - Cucumis sativus (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Edible)

Cucumber

Also known as: Immature Cucumber, Common cucumber

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a creeping vine native to South Asia. It has a long history of cultivation - mentions of its use are found in various ancient scripts, including the Bible, Epic of Gilgamesh and Pliny the Elder's "Natural History". Today, cucumber is one of the most widely cultivated vegetable species in the world.

Scientific classification

Species

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

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Annual

Lifespan

Vine, Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

20 cm to 90 cm

Plant Height

90 cm to 2.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Green, Yellow

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Cucumber

Distribution of Cucumber

Distribution Map

Cucumber's native region reaches from the Himalayas through southern China. It also naturally occurs in Northern Thailand and has been internationally introduced, now found growing in the Americas, Central Asia, and a handful of other regions around the world. While the original habitat for this highly cultivated crop is unknown, cucumber grows best in damp soils that have good drainage in humid climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Vegetable garden

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

An absolute essential in veggie gardens, the cucumber is one of the most commonly grown garden vegetables around the world. Its ease of care makes it widely valued by gardeners. Cucumber plants will benefit from being grown with corn or sunflowers, which act as natural trellises. You can also plant them with marigolds to help repel bugs.

Symbolism

Resurrection, redemption

Interesting Facts

It is said that no one dared to eat cucumbers because they were covered in small thorns, until a hungry child accidentally broke a cucumber and found that there were no thorns in the pulp. He could not help biting into it and found that the cucumber tasted fresh. This was the first person to eat cucumbers.

Name Story

Garden cucumber: Cucumis in latin means ‘cucumber’ and it was derived from the Greek word, kykyon. As this is plant is commonly planted in gardens, it is then called garden cucumber.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Cucumber, including the following common varieties :

Cucumber 'Crystal Lemon'Cucumber 'Burpless Tasty Green'

Quickly Identify Cucumber

Large, hairy, triangular leaves with 3-5 lobes and serrated margins.

Yellow, 5-petaled flowers with bell-shaped, 5-lobed corolla that are wrinkled and hairy.

Long, cylindrical fruit with hard exterior rind, bumpy surface, and pale green flesh.

Vining stem with tendrils for climbing, covered in stiff, bristly hairs.

Male and female flowers grow separately, with male flowers in clusters and female flowers solitary.

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Care Guide for Cucumber

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating in the Himalayan foothills, cucumber thrives in moist, tropical-like conditions. It requires watering twice a week, with adequate hydration during the growing season to support its growth and fruit production, particularly when grown outdoors for optimal rainfall utilization.

Fertilize: Fertilize cucumber with high-phosphorus fertilizer at planting to ensure strong roots, then switch to balanced nutrition during growth. Apply monthly, following label instructions. Adjust fertilization according to growth stages and use water-soluble fertilizers to prevent root burn.

Pruning: Cucumber grows quickly and benefits from strategic pruning. Remove lateral vines past the fifth leaf node and cut back crowded growth in early to late spring. This promotes air circulation, reduces disease risk, and enhances fruit yield. Use clean tools to prevent infections.

Propagation: Cucumber propagation occurs mainly through seed sowing in Spring. Successful propagation requires careful seed handling and soil preparation. Indicators of success include germination and robust seedling growth.

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Images of Cucumber

Distribution of Cucumber

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Cucumber

Care Guide for Cucumber

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