Concombre des Antilles Bio - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

The West Indian Cucumber, Cucumis anguria in Latin, is an exotic vegetable plant that produces small oblong and spiny fruits, green turning pale yellow when ripe. Its taste closely resembles that of cucumber, being sweet and without bitterness. It is consumed when young, raw in salads, sautéed or as a condiment, pickled in vinegar, like gherkins. This small vegetable is sown in warm conditions in April for a harvest from July to September.

Originating from Africa and belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, the West Indian Cucumber is a perennial vegetable plant cultivated as an annual in our climates. It is sometimes called Gherkin Cucumber. It has lobed green leaves and produces small oblong and spiny fruits, green turning pale yellow when ripe. Cucumis anguria can be grown horizontally, allowing it to crawl freely, or vertically, trained on a sturdy trellis.

From its African origins, this vegetable has retained a certain requirement for warmth, and its cultivation under glass is highly recommended in regions where summers remain temperate. It thrives in sunny locations with rich and well-drained soil.

Harvest: the harvest takes place from July to September, when the fruits turn yellow.

Storage: freshly harvested West Indian Cucumbers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days before being pickled in vinegar.

Gardener's tip: Like all cucurbits, this small cucumber may be susceptible to powdery mildew: a white powdery coating appears on the foliage. It is important to remove severely affected leaves and spray with a wettable sulfur every 2 weeks. In case of minor infestation, you can also treat the plants with skimmed milk diluted at 10 to 20% in rainwater. As a preventive measure, avoid watering the foliage and make sure to provide good ventilation if the cultivation takes place under cover. A decoction of horsetail can also be applied to strengthen the foliage's resistance.

Organic or "AB" seeds are derived from plants grown without phytosanitary products (insecticides, herbicides). These seeds also do not undergo any post-harvest treatment. They bear the AB label and are certified by Ecocert, an independent organization.