To grow Armenian cucumber plants, start by planting the seeds in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly. Trellising the vines can help support their growth. Harvest the cucumbers when they are about 12 inches long for the best flavor and texture.
Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious addition to your garden? If yes, then consider growing Armenian cucumbers!
Armenian cucumbers, also known as Snake or Serpent cucumbers, are a unique variety of cucumbers that is easy to grow and packed with flavor.
Their thin skin and small, curved shape make them perfect for adding to salads or pickling. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to grow Armenian cucumbers in your garden.
All in One Armenian Cucumber Information Table
| Information | Description |
| Ease of Growing | Easy |
| Grown as | Annual |
| Days to Maturity | 60-70 (Spring/Summer), 60-70 (Fall/Winter) |
| Growing Habit | Vine |
| Hardiness | Tender |
| Crops | Spring Transplant, Summer |
| Growing Season | Short, Long |
| Cultivar Type | – |
| Growing Conditions | Warm, Hot |
| Outdoor Growing Temp | 60°F – 90°F |
| Min Outdoor Soil Temp | 60°F |
| Start Indoors | Yes |
| Start Outdoors | Yes |
| Light | Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot) |
| Water | High |
| Feeder | Heavy |
| Suitability | Partial shade, Needs lots of space |
| Small Gardens? | No |
| Containers? | Yes |
| Attracts beneficial insects? | Yes |
| Color | Light green |
| Fruit Size | 12.0 – 18.0″ |
| Plant Height | 48.0 – 72.0″ |
| Plant Diameter | 12.0 – 18.0″ |
| Hardiness Zone | 4-12 |
| Disease Resistances | scab CMV, PM, DM, ALS, and ANT |
| Taste Profile | The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, almost melony. |
| Rotation Group | Fruits: Solanaceae + Cucurbits |
What are Armenian cucumbers?
Armenian cucumbers are an ancient variety of cucumbers that originated in Armenia. Also known as Snake cucumbers or Yard-Long cucumbers, these long, slender, and tender cucumbers can grow up to 36 inches long.
Unlike other cucumbers, Armenian cucumbers grow on the ground and have large seeds. When mature, the fruits can be easily peeled and eaten like muskmelon. They also have strong disease resistance, making them ideal for gardeners who want to avoid pests and diseases.
The fruits are often harvested when they are still young and green, although they can turn yellow when fully ripe.
When planting Armenian cucumber seeds, it’s best to wait until after the season’s last frost. You can sow the seeds directly into the soil in early summer or start them indoors about six weeks before the last frost.
Mix some compost into the soil before planting for best results to help improve germination rates. Once planted, regularly give your seedlings sunshine and water throughout the hot summer months.
How Does Armenian cucumber Taste?
The Armenian has a mild and refreshing taste. It is not as bitter as other cucumber varieties and has a hint of sweetness that gives it a unique flavor profile. The skin of the Armenian cucumber is thin and tender, so it does not require peeling, making it an ideal choice for salads, pickles, or sandwiches.
Characteristics of Armenian Cucumbers
Armenian cucumbers are typically long, slender, and dark green in color. Their skin is bumpy and has a waxy texture, similar to that of cucumber melons.
Unlike other types of cucumbers, Armenian cucumbers are grown on vines. The vines grow up to six feet tall and can be quite vigorous. They produce large, yellow flowers that eventually give way to the cucumbers.
Armenian cucumbers are resistant to powdery mildew, which is a common disease affecting cucumbers. This makes them easier to grow than other varieties.
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Top 5 Armenian cucumber varieties
An Armenian cucumber is also known as a yard-long cucumber or snake cucumber. It is a versatile vegetable that is widely grown in the Mediterranean region and has gained popularity in other parts of the world.
There are several different types of Armenian cucumber varieties available. Each comes with its unique characteristics, they are generally easy to grow and can be a great addition to any home garden or a commercial farm.
Here are some of the most popular Armenian cucumber varieties and their features.
Light Green
The Light Green Armenian cucumber is also known as “Balik” in Armenia. It is a popular variety that is highly valued for its deliciously sweet and crunchy flesh.
As the name suggests, this cucumber variety has a light green color and smooth, slightly ribbed skin that is tender and easy to digest. Its long and slender shape can reach up to 3 feet in length, making it a perfect ingredient for salads, sandwiches, or pickling.
Additionally, the Light Green Armenian cucumber is easy to grow. It is highly resistant to common cucumber diseases, making it an ideal choice for home gardeners and commercial farmers alike. Its exceptional taste and texture have made it a favorite among cucumber enthusiasts. And it is often considered one of the best cucumber varieties in the world.
Dark Green
The Dark Green Armenian cucumber is also known as the snake melon or yard-long cucumber. It is a unique and flavorful variety of cucumber that originates from the Middle East. As its name suggests, it has dark green skin and a slender, elongated shape that can grow up to 2-3 feet long.
Unlike most cucumbers, the Dark Green Armenian cucumber has a thin, delicate skin and tender flesh that is crisp and juicy, with a slightly sweet flavor and subtle nutty undertones.
It is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed fresh in salads, pickled, or used in a variety of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. Its distinctive appearance and taste make it a popular choice among food enthusiasts and gardeners alike.
Striped Armenian
The Striped Armenian cucumber is also known as the yard-long cucumber. It is a unique and versatile vegetable that is popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. This variety, unlike common cucumbers, can grow up to three feet long and has light green skin with distinct white stripes.
Its flesh is crisp, juicy, and mildly sweet, with a refreshing taste that makes it perfect for salads, sandwiches, and pickling. In addition to its culinary uses, the Striped Armenian cucumber is also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It makes it a healthy and delicious addition to any diet.
Carosello Barese
The Carosello Barese Armenian cucumber is a unique variety of cucumber that is native to the southern region of Italy. In contrast to conventional cucumbers, this variety usually has a round or oval shape and a skin pattern of green and white stripes. Known for its sweet and mild flavor, it is often used in salads or as a snack on its own.
What makes this cucumber even more interesting is its ability to thrive in hot and dry climates. It makes it a popular choice for farmers in arid regions. It is a favorite vegetable in the Mediterranean region and beyond because it can be used in a lot of different ways and adapts well.
Mandurian Round Carosello
The Mandurian Round Carosello cucumber is a unique and rare variety of cucumbers that originated in Manduria, a town in southern Italy. This cucumber is not only visually distinct with its round shape and green and yellow stripes, but it also has a sweet and juicy flavor that sets it apart from other cucumbers.
No matter which variety of Armenian cucumber you choose, you are sure to enjoy its unique flavor and texture. Whether you like to eat them raw, pickled, or cooked, these cucumbers will provide you with a delicious addition to your meals.
How to Plant Armenian Cucumber Plant?
An Armenian cucumber plant is an excellent option if you want to add something tasty and fresh to your garden. Planting and taking care of Armenian cucumber plants is easy and satisfying, no matter how much you know about gardening.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant Armenian cucumber plants:
- Choose a sunny location in your garden or a large container that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of at least 8 inches and adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
- Sow the Armenian cucumber seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.
- After covering the seeds with soil, give them a light watering.
- Water the seeds regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
- Once the seedlings emerge, water them deeply once a week.
- Provide support for the plants as they grow by placing a trellis or stake nearby. This will help to keep the plant upright and prevent it from sprawling on the ground.
- Fertilize the plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth and fruit production.
- Harvest the cucumbers when they reach 6-10 inches in length, as they can become bitter if left on the vine too long. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the cucumber from the vine.
By following these simple steps, you can successfully plant and grow Armenian cucumber plants in your garden or container. And enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh and tasty cucumbers.
Related Reading:
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- From Hydration to Heart Health: Discover the 11 Health Benefits of Cucumber
How to take care of Armenian cucumbers?
Armenian cucumbers are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden or plate. To ensure a bountiful harvest of fresh and tasty Armenian cucumbers, it’s essential to take good care of your plants.
Here are some tips for taking care of your Armenian cucumber plants:
- Water your plants regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist. Take care not to overwater the roots, as this can cause the plant to develop root rot.
- Fertilize your plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
- Provide support for your plants, such as a trellis or stake, to keep them upright and prevent them from sprawling on the ground.
- Prune your plants as needed to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems. This will help to keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth.
- Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and take action promptly if you notice any issues. Common pests for Armenian cucumbers include aphids, spider mites, and cucumber beetles.
- Harvest your cucumbers regularly, as this will encourage the plant to continue producing more fruit. Aim to harvest your cucumbers when they reach 6-10 inches in length.
By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your Armenian cucumber plants stay healthy. Also give you a good harvest of tasty, healthy cucumbers throughout the growing season.
When to harvest Armenian cucumber fruits?
The Armenian Cucumber Harvest begins approximately 70 days after the seeds have been planted. It is roughly the same amount of time as is required for cucumbers.
Harvesting Armenian cucumber fruits is a great way to enjoy the fresh taste of homegrown vegetables. However, it’s important to know when the optimal time to pick them is.
For most varieties, the fruits will be ready for harvesting when they reach 6–8 inches in length and have a dark green color. However, if you wait too long, the cucumbers will become overripe and bitter.
To ensure that you get a good harvest, check your cucumbers every few days to see if they’re ready to be picked. If you can pinch the skin and it feels tender, then it’s ready for picking. Once you have harvested the cucumbers, use them as soon as possible for the best flavor. Armenian cucumbers will keep for about a week in the refrigerator.
