Concombre Tanja - Cucumis sativus

The Tanja cucumber is a variety with a very good taste quality that produces semi-long, slightly spiny fruits that can reach 35 cm in length. It is a hardy cucumber suitable for outdoor cultivation but also performs very well under cover. The sowing period extends from March to May for a harvest from July to October.

It is a classic variety, suitable for outdoor cultivation but also performs very well under cover.

Cucumbers prefer light, loose, moist and humus-rich soils. They like sunny exposures and temperatures between 18 and 22°C. They are fairly water-hungry vegetables that need regular watering.

Cucumber is, along with tomato, one of the star vegetables of summer: refreshing, low in calories, it can be enjoyed in a mixed salad or on its own, with, for example, a yogurt-based sauce, lemon, and dill.

There are two main types of cucumbers: the "forcing" varieties that are intended for cultivation under cover and those that are suitable for cultivation in open ground. They can be smooth or spiny, long or semi-long. In addition to these classic varieties, there are also more "exotic" cucumbers such as the Kenyan Cucumber or the Snake Cucumber, which are generally more heat-demanding.

Harvest: Cucumbers should be harvested when they have reached their final size, before their color turns yellow. Remember to harvest regularly to encourage the formation of new fruits.

Storage: Cucumbers can be stored for several days in the refrigerator. To enjoy your harvest for longer, you can also preserve them in jars through lactofermentation or in vinegar.

Gardener's tip: Like all cucurbits, cucumbers can be prone to powdery mildew: a white coating appears on the leaves. It is advisable to remove heavily affected leaves and spray with wettable sulfur every 2 weeks. In case of a minor attack, you can also treat the plants with skim milk, diluted at 10 to 20% in rainwater. As a preventive measure, avoid watering the foliage and ensure good ventilation in your greenhouse if cultivation is done under cover. A decoction of horsetail can also be sprayed to strengthen the foliage's resistance.