China Jade Cucumber Seeds

China Jade Self Pollinating & Burpless Cucumber Heirloom Vegetable Seeds
Cucumis sativus
Listing is for 1 packet of 15 seeds

This is an Asian variety of cucumber that tolerates hot summers and high humidity exceptionally well. What is very awesome about this particular variety is that every female flower is self pollinating (parthenocarpic). That means every female flower will set fruit making it perfect for growing in a green house or area lacking in pollinators. The plant produces both female and male flowers, which if cross pollinated will yield cucumbers with the usual seeds inside. If the female flower doesn't get cross pollinated, it will yield a seedless cucumber. These cucumbers are also burpless which means they have reduced levels of cucurbitacin. This reduces bitterness and reportedly the likelihood of burping. 

It has a pretty high leaf disease tolerance. By the time the plant succumbs to leaf diseases such as powdery mildew, it has already produced tons of cucumbers. I don't spray with any chemicals and can grow organically because of this. The fruit itself on average is 7-8 inches long. Beautiful glossy green color with a light green/white interior. Pick them on the young side to avoid a seedy middle, for the best crunchy texture, and sweet flavor. On average produces harvestable cucumbers 2.5 months from transplanting into the garden. 

Ideal Growing Conditions

Sun: Full Sun

Water: Keep soil consistenly moist but not waterlogged

Fertilizer: Cucumbers benefit from regular fertilizer. Use an all purpose organic granular fertilizer like Espoma Garden Tone, so you can fertilize in small amounts, about 1/4 cup every 7 to 10 days. You can easily burn plants if fertilizing this often with a synthetic fertilizer, thus why I recommend organic. Keeping nutrients consistent, makes the plant grow lots of new healthy green growth to outpace all the growth that is catching diseases.

When & How To Sow Seeds: For a spring crop: direct sow seeds after your last spring frost date. For a fall crop: direct sow seeds at the end of summer. Use square foot gardening guidelines to grow 2 cucumber plants per square foot. Or dig a shallow trench right under a vertical trellis structure, sprinkle in the seeds, and cover with about 1/2 inch of soil. You can sow cucumber seeds pretty densely. Keep the soil moist for better germination. If you have multiple rows, space them with 3-4FT in-between for better airflow. Or you can sow seeds indoors, 6-8 weeks before your target date of transplanting into the garden. Use a 4inch pot or a solo cup with holes cut out of the bottom for drainage. Fill with seed starting mix. Sow 2-3 seeds per container.

Germination: 7-14 days

Days To Maturity: 65-75 days after direct sowing the seed

How & When To Harvest: Harvest when cucumbers are still all green and plump, before they start turning yellow. Try to harvest before the cucumbers get over 8-10 inches long for the best flavor and texture. 

Common Diseases: Cucumbers get a lot of leaf diseases caused by pathogens like molds, fungus spores, bacteria etc.... It is very common, so dont worry. Spray with 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water to clean and disinfect. Repeat every 5 days or so as a preventative, or until you notice the spread of the disease has stopped. 

Common Pests: Critters like rabbits love to munch on newly germinated seedlings, so protection from small animals might be required. If you notice the leaves are chewed up and there are small black, green, or orange balls, worms/caterpillars are chewing up the plants. Spray with BT or spinosad to treat for the worms.    

Do I have a YouTube video tutorial on how to grow this? YES

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/_aj19Mv2Lsg

Additional Tips/Information: N/A