Cucumber Seeds - Long Green Improved

Versatile, High-Yielding Cucumbers for Fresh Eating and Pickling

The Long Green Improved cucumber is a reliable and popular variety for both fresh consumption and pickling. This cucumber is known for its long, straight shape and smooth, dark green skin, making it an excellent choice for home gardens. With its vigorous growth, it produces high yields of crisp, refreshing cucumbers that are perfect for salads, sandwiches, and, of course, pickling.

Key Benefits

• Uniform, Long Fruit: Produces long, straight cucumbers with smooth, dark green skin and minimal spines, making them easy to harvest and prepare.
• Ideal for Fresh Eating and Pickling: While great for slicing and adding to fresh dishes, it’s also a solid pickling cucumber due to its firm texture.
• High Yield: This variety consistently produces high yields, providing an abundance of cucumbers throughout the growing season.
• Disease Resistance: Resistant to common cucumber diseases like powdery mildew and cucumber mosaic virus, making it easier to grow and maintain healthy plants.
• Vigorous Growth: Strong, productive vines that produce fruit throughout the summer, ideal for both small and larger gardens.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Spring: Plant seeds after the last frost when the soil temperature reaches 65°F (18°C) or higher.

Planting Details

• Depth: Plant seeds 1 inch deep into the soil.
• Spacing: Space the seeds about 6-12 inches apart in rows that are 36-48 inches apart. Allow space for the vines to spread.
• Light: Choose a planting site with full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Enrich the soil with organic compost to improve soil structure.

Watering and Care

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid over-watering. Cucumber plants need regular deep watering, especially during dry spells, to maintain their crisp texture.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time, and side-dress the plants with additional fertilizer midway through the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
• Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and keep weeds at bay.
• Pruning: Remove excess side shoots and leaves to maintain good air circulation, which helps reduce disease pressure and allows for more fruit production.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Long Green Improved cucumbers are typically ready to harvest about 55-70 days after planting.
• Harvest Time: For fresh eating, harvest cucumbers when they reach about 8-10 inches long. For pickling, you can harvest them slightly smaller at 6-8 inches for a firmer texture.
• Regular Harvesting: To ensure continuous production, harvest cucumbers regularly, even if they are not fully ripe.

Uses

• Fresh Eating: Perfect for slicing into salads, sandwiches, or as a crunchy snack. Their smooth skin and mild flavor make them a great addition to fresh dishes.
• Pickling: Although primarily used as a fresh cucumber, the Long Green Improved variety can also be pickled. Its firm texture ensures the pickles remain crisp after processing.
• Canning: Great for home canning, these cucumbers can be used for making dill pickles or sweet pickles with minimal softening during storage.

Coverage

• Packet: A packet of Long Green Improved cucumber seeds will cover approximately 50-75 square feet, depending on your planting arrangement.

Why Choose Long Green Improved Cucumbers?

The Long Green Improved cucumber is a top choice for gardeners looking for a high-yielding, versatile cucumber that is excellent for both fresh eating and pickling. With its straight, long fruit and smooth skin, this cucumber variety is both easy to handle and high in quality. Whether you are a beginner gardener or an experienced grower, this variety is a fantastic addition to your garden for producing abundant, delicious cucumbers throughout the season.