SALAMANDA F1 - Hybrid Cucumber Seeds

For best results, sow cucumbers into small pots indoors in mid-to late spring. Poke a hole 1 in (2 cm) deep at the center of each pot and drop in a single seed. Cover with potting mix, water well, label, and place in a clear plastic or propagator. Keep the pots in a warm room (or a propagator) at 68°F (20°C) to germinate. 

Seeds can also be sown outdoors into warm soil in early summer. Add plenty of organic matter to the soil beforehand and sow two seeds 1 in (2 cm) deep at each position (so allowing for the failure of one of the seeds). Water well and cover the planting with cloches. Remove the weaker seedling if both should germinate. 

POT ON: Seedlings grow rapidly and need to be transferred into 3½ (9cm) diameter pots 7-10 days after they have germinated. Water them well and continue to grow on a warm windowsill at about 51°F (15°C)  

SUPPORT: Cucumbers can be grown along the ground if planted 3 ft (90 cm) apart but can be planted closer together (18 in/45 cm apart) if trained up a trellis, cane tripods, or netting to a height of about 6 ft (1.8 m). Supports are best put in place before planting. Tie the main stems onto the supports regularly as they grow. 

PLANT OUT: Harden off plants over two weeks by moving pots outdoors for increasing periods. Once the risk of frost has passed, plant in fertile soil in full sun in a sheltered spot. On heavier soils, plant on mounds 6 in (15 cm) high for better drainage. Place the plant into a hole the same depth as the pot, firm soil around the roots, and water well. Cover with cloches. Cucumbers can also be planted into large containers or grow bags.  

WATER AND FEED: Water plants growing in the soil weekly and those planted in containers once or twice a day during hot weather. Cucumbers are hungry crops and even those planted directly in the soil will benefit from a regular liquid feed with tomato fertilizer once fruits start to form; plants in containers should be fed twice a week.  

POLLINATION: Certain cucumber varieties have separate male and female flowers and therefore require insect pollination in order to produce fruit. Some “all female” varieties are also grown outdoors and will produce bitter cucumbers if pollinated by other varieties: don't grow them together. 

Pick cucumbers as soon as they are a usable size by cutting the stem with a sharp knife or pruners. Try to harvest them in the morning when fruits are cool and crisp. They are prolific plants in warm summers, so make pickles for use in winter with any excess fruit.