Armenian Cucumber Plant Care: Grow Long Cucumbers

A complete guide to growing Armenian Cucumber in containers, including planting, watering, fertilizing and harvesting tips. Learn how to care for these long cucumbers and enjoy their refreshing flavor all season.

Armenian cucumber are a unique and delicious variety of cucumber that can be easily grown in containers, making them perfect for small space gardens and homeowners who want to try something new. Also known as snake cucumbers or yard-long cucumbers, this cucurbit produces long, slender fruits that can grow up to 3 feet in length! Don’t worry; they are typically harvested at a more manageable size of around 12-18 inches. With their mild flavor and crisp texture, Armenian cucumbers are a refreshing snack and a great addition to salads and sandwiches.

In this blog article, we will provide a complete guide to caring for Armenian cucumber plants, including tips on planting, watering, fertilizing and harvesting, so that you can successfully grow these intriguing cucumbers at home.

here’s a short information chart about Armenian Cucumbers:

Armenian Cucumber Plant Care: A Complete Guide

Planting Armenian Cucumbers

Armenian cucumbers are warm-season vegetables that prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. They can be started indoors about four weeks before the last spring frost date or sown directly into the garden after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C). If you live in a region with a long growing season, you may also plant Armenian cucumbers in the early summer for a fall harvest.

When starting seeds indoors, use biodegradable pots that can be directly transplanted into your container or garden bed, as Armenian cucumber roots do not like to be disturbed. Sow two seeds per pot, about 1 inch deep and thin to the strongest seedling once they have emerged. For direct sowing, create small mounds or hills spaced about 3 feet apart, with 4-6 seeds per hill. Again, thin to the strongest two or three seedlings per hill once they have emerged.

Choosing a Container

Armenian cucumbers can be grown in various containers, including large pots, half-barrels, or even grow bags. Ensure that your container is at least 12 inches deep and has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A container size of at least 5 gallons per plant is recommended, and you should allow for at least 2 feet of space between each plant. Remember that the vines will need something to climb, so provide a trellis or other vertical support structure.

Watering and Fertilizing

Armenian cucumbers have moderate water needs and prefer consistent moisture. Water regularly, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. Ensure that the top few inches of soil dry out slightly between waterings to avoid overwatering, which can cause issues like root rot and fungal diseases.

These cucumber plants are heavy feeders and will benefit from regular fertilizing. Before planting, mix a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into your container soil or garden bed. Once the plants begin to flower and fruit, side-dress with a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. You can also use compost tea or well-rotted manure as a natural fertilizer.

Providing Support

As Armenian cucumbers grow, their vines will need support to climb. Provide a trellis, fence or other vertical support structure for the vines to grow upward. This helps save space in your container garden and also keeps the fruits off the ground, preventing them from rotting or being damaged by pests. You can train the main stem to grow up the support by gently tying it with garden twine or plant ties. As the plant grows, side shoots and tendrils will reach out and grab onto the support.

Pests and Diseases

Armenian cucumbers are generally easy to grow and not as susceptible to common cucumber pests and diseases as other varieties. However, keep an eye out for issues like cucumber beetles, squash bugs and powdery mildew. Floating row covers can be used to protect young plants from insects, and removing weeds and debris from around your plants will help prevent diseases from spreading. If you notice any pests or disease symptoms, act quickly to treat the problem with organic or natural solutions.

Harvesting and Storing Armenian Cucumbers

Armenian cucumbers are typically ready for harvest about 60-70 days after planting. The fruits grow quickly, so it’s important to check your plants daily once they start producing. The cucumbers are best harvested when they are slender and about 12-18 inches long. They should be firm but not rock hard and the skin should be a light green color with a slight sheen.

Armenian cucumbers are very perishable and should be stored properly to extend their shelf life. Unlike regular cucumbers, they do not store well in the refrigerator. Instead, store them in a cool, dry place and use within a few days of harvesting. To store Armenian cucumbers for longer periods, you can pickle or ferment them, which will also add a delicious, tangy flavor.

Growing Armenian cucumbers in containers is a fun and rewarding project for gardeners of all skill levels. With their unique appearance, mild flavor and crisp texture, these long cucumbers are sure to impress. By following the care tips provided in this article, you can successfully grow and harvest Armenian cucumbers, even in small spaces. So, get planting, and enjoy the fruits (or vegetables!) of your labor this growing season.