Cucumber Garden Oasis – Renee’s Garden

Cucumis sativus

Mediterranean Cucumber

Garden Oasis is a deluxe Beit-Alpha style hybrid, renowned for quality throughout the Mediterranean basin but not often offered commercially here because its delicate flesh doesnt permit easy shipping. The medium green fruits are smooth and glossy, about 5 to 8 inches long, with very thin and tender skins and pale, juicy crisp fleshthe ultimate in cool and crunchy refreshment. Strong and early bearing Oasis plants are resistant to mosaic viruses and powdery and downy mildew.

Seed Count: 30 – 35

STARTSEEDSOUTDOORS

Plant heat-loving cucumbers only when weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50F (10C). Amend soil well with age manure or compost. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds, 1 inch deep and 18 inches apart. When the baby seedlings are 2 inches long, thin out extras, leaving one strong seedling per group. After thinning, provide a 4 to 5 foot strong vertical support or individual tomato cage around each seedling and train the vines up the supports as they grow. Growing vigorous, heavy-bearing cucumber vines up supports or cages makes it easier to harvest the cucumbers, saves garden space and helps prevent disease.

GROWINGNOTES

Protect seedlings from marauding birds with plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Shallow-rooted cucumbers need adequate and consistent moisture to produce sweet tasting, nicely formed cucumbers. Avoid overly wet or dry periods for good quality fruits.

HARVEST ANDUSE

Cut rather than pull fruits from vines before seeds are large inside. Harvest every few days for longest fruit production. These juicy, tender cucumbers are perfect to slice and enjoy for refreshing snacks, in salads and sandwiches. Eat within a day or two of picking for best taste and quality.