Cucumber Marketer - Cucumis sativus

Cucumis sativus 'Marketer' is an early-maturing variety that is productive and vigorous. It produces smooth, cylindrical fruits that measure about 20cm (8in). They are crisp and have no bitterness in their flavour. It is a classic variety, suitable for cultivation in open field or under shelter. The sowing period extends from March to May for a harvest from July to October.

Cucumbers thrive in light, loose, moist and humus-rich soils. They prefer sunny exposures and temperatures between 18 to 22°C (64.4 to 68°F). They are quite water-hungry fruits that need to be regularly watered.

Along with tomatoes, cucumbers are one of the star salad fruits of summer. They are refreshing, low in calories, and can be enjoyed in salads or on their own, with, for example, a yogurt, lemon and dill sauce.

There are two main types of cucumbers: "forcing" varieties, which are intended for greenhouse cultivation, and those that are adapted to outdoor cultivation. 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 colour turns yellow. Regularly harvest to encourage the formation of new fruits.

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

Gardener's tip: like all members of the Cucurbitaceae family, cucumbers can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which is a white fuzz on the foliage. It is advisable to remove heavily affected leaves and spray with wettable sulphur every 2 weeks. In case of minor infestation, you can treat the plants with skimmed milk diluted to 10 to 20% in rainwater. As a preventive measure, avoid watering the foliage and ensure good ventilation in your greenhouse if growing under cover. Spraying with a horsetail decoction can also strengthen foliage resistance.