Cucumis sativus Louisa F1

Cucumis sativus 'Louisa' F1 is a high-quality hybrid variety that is very resistant. It is a prolific greenhouse cucumber that produces long dark green fruits, approximately 40cm (16in) in length. The flesh has no bitterness in its flavour. This variety can be grown on trellises. The sowing period extends from March to May for a harvest from July to October.

Cucumbers prefer light, loose, moist, and humus-rich soils. They thrive in sunny exposures and temperatures between 18 to 22°C (64.4 to 68°F). They are fairly water-demanding vegetables that need regular watering. Once there are 2 to 3 fruits formed per stem, pinch the top of the stem. This will prevent an excessive number of fruits and spread out the harvest over time.

Along with tomatoes, cucumbers are one of the staple 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.

NB: This variety is labeled F1 for "F1 hybrid" because it is a variety resulting from the cross-breeding of carefully selected parents to combine their qualities. This results in a variety that can be particularly flavourful and/or early, while also being resistant to certain diseases. Sometimes criticised or wrongly associated with GMOs, F1 hybrid seeds are appreciated both for their homogeneity and their resistance. However, their qualities do not pass on to the next generations. It will therefore not be possible to save the seeds for future sowing.

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 lacto-fermentation 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.