Ruqayyah Snyder
Crystal Apple cucumbers are a traditional Australian heirloom variety with creamy white skin and a citrusy taste. They are high-yielding, producing prolific crops of crisp, crunchy, and juicy cucumbers. The seeds can be sown directly into the garden or raised in trays or containers and transplanted once established. The ideal germination temperature is between 18-35°C, and the plants require full sun, moist, and well-drained soil. They can be grown up a trellis or teepee to save space and keep the fruit clean. The plants are prone to mould and mildew in humid weather, so good air movement and ventilation are important. Regular harvesting when the cucumbers are apple-sized will prolong the harvest season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil temperature for germination | 18-35°C |
| Soil temperature for planting | 20-21°C |
| Soil type | Rich, well-drained, moist |
| Sunlight | Full sun (6+ hours a day) |
| Watering | Regular |
| Feeding | Fortnightly with fertiliser |
| Harvesting | 50-70 days from planting |
| Seedlings | Can be raised in trays or containers |
| Trellis | Recommended |
| Pests | Snails and slugs |
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What You'll Learn
Soil temperature and planting time
The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 18°C and 35°C. At this temperature, the expected germination time for Crystal Apple cucumber seeds is approximately 4-10 days. If the temperature is lower, germination may still occur, but at decreased rates. If the temperature is too cold, the seeds may lie dormant until the ideal temperature is met.
Crystal Apple cucumbers prefer to be grown in a sunny position with moist, well-drained soil. The soil should retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. In cooler climates, cucumbers will prefer full sun, but in hotter climates, they will benefit from light shade to prevent the fruit from getting scorched.
In Australia, the best time to plant cucumbers is between September and January. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started in trays or small pots and transplanted once they are established.
To sow seeds directly, plant them to a depth of approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Seeds normally produce fast-growing and strong seedlings. To start seeds in trays or small pots, sow 2-3 seeds in each and thin to the two strongest plants. Transplant the seedlings to their final position once they are large enough to handle (around 5-10cm tall), usually after about 3-4 weeks.
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Sunlight and positioning
Apple cucumbers, or Crystal Apple cucumbers, are a prolific cropping variety with a crunchy texture and juicy flesh. They are round, with pale green or white skin, and grow to around 10cm in size.
When growing apple cucumbers, it is important to choose a sunny and well-drained position. The plant likes six hours of sun or more per day, so make sure it is positioned in full sun. If you live in an area with hot summers, you can provide light shade to help your plant. In these warmer climates, cucumbers can tolerate 30% shade. You can grow them in dappled shade under trees, or build a temporary structure using 30-50% shade netting to prevent the fruit from getting scorched by the sun.
Apple cucumbers should be grown up a trellis or framework to save space and keep the fruit clean. They can also be grown across the ground. Choose a well-ventilated spot, as apple cucumbers are prone to mould and mildew in humid, still weather.
The ideal soil temperature for germination is 18-21°C, though seeds can germinate at temperatures as low as 16°C. The soil should be moist and well-drained, retaining moisture without becoming waterlogged.
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Soil type and moisture
Crystal Apple cucumbers are a prolific cropping variety with a crunchy texture and juicy, citrusy flesh. They are a summer vegetable and grow best in full sun, with moist, well-drained soil.
The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 18°C and 35°C, with the expected germination time being 4-10 days. It is important to note that soil temperature usually differs from air temperature. Germination may occur outside of this temperature range, but at decreased rates. If the temperature is too low, the seeds may lie dormant until the ideal temperature is reached.
Crystal Apple cucumbers prefer a soil pH of above 6.5. The soil should be rich and retain moisture well without becoming waterlogged. Well-drained soil is important to prevent water pooling and to ensure the plants do not become waterlogged, which can cause mould and mildew in humid, still weather.
To ensure the soil remains moist, water regularly, especially when the plants start flowering and producing fruit.
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Fertilising and feeding
Apple cucumbers are a hungry plant that will eat pretty much anything you feed them. They need a rich soil that does not dry out, with a pH of above 6.5. Apple cucumbers thrive when grown up a trellis or teepee, and they need a well-ventilated, sunny spot as they are prone to moulds and mildew in humid, still weather.
Before planting, it is recommended to fertilise the soil with a general fertiliser or a specialty fertiliser. Nitrophoska, which is 15-6-12, is a good fertiliser for cucumbers and is used by commercial vegetable growers. Manure is another option, but it does not have a high N content compared to commercial fertilisers. A handful of fertiliser per square metre is sufficient.
Once the apple cucumber plants are established, they should be fed every fortnight with a soluble fertiliser such as Yates Thrive Flower & Fruit Soluble Fertiliser. Regular watering at the plant's base is also important to avoid bitter fruit.
Apple cucumbers can also benefit from liquid manure mixed with Dynamic Lifter. This can be applied when the plants are flowering to give them a boost.
It is important to note that apple cucumbers are sensitive to mould and mildew, so ensure the fertiliser is well-mixed into the soil and that the plants are properly spaced for good air movement.
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Harvesting
The best time to harvest apple cucumbers is 50 to 70 days after planting. Apple cucumbers are ready to be picked when they are apple-sized, with pale, almost white, smooth skin. The fruit should be firm and crunchy, with a juicy texture.
To harvest, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the fruit from the vine. Apple cucumbers grow up a trellis or framework, so you will need to reach up to collect the fruit. Harvesting apple cucumbers regularly and promptly when they are ready will help to prolong the harvest period.
Apple cucumbers can be stored at room temperature, even just on the kitchen bench in summer. They have a good shelf life, but it is best to enjoy them fresh in salads, dips, or pickles.
Apple cucumbers are a high-yielding crop, so you can expect a large harvest. You may even find yourself with more cucumbers than you know what to do with! Share the bounty with your neighbours and friends, and enjoy the delicious taste of your very own apple cucumbers.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to plant apple cucumbers in Australia is between September and January when the soil temperature is around 18-21 degrees Celsius.
Apple cucumbers require well-drained, moist, and rich soil with a pH of above 6.5. The soil temperature for germination is ideally between 18 and 35 degrees Celsius.
You can either sow the seeds directly into your garden or raise seedlings in trays or small pots and then transplant them to the garden once they are established and around 5-10cm tall.
Apple cucumbers should be grown in full sun, with at least 6 hours of sun per day. Ensure the soil remains moist at all times, especially when flowering and producing fruit. Feed the plants every fortnight with a fertiliser and water regularly at the plant base to avoid bitter fruit.
Apple cucumbers can be harvested in 8-10 weeks, or 50 to 70 days after planting, when they are apple-sized. Regularly picking the cucumbers at this size will prolong the harvest.
