Cucumber Kalunga F1 - Cucumis sativus

The Kalunga F1 Cucumber is a hybrid variety that combines the following qualities: the plant is rather resistant to powdery mildew, vigorous, highly productive, and produces fruits regularly throughout the season. Its cylindrical fruits measure 36 to 38 cm (14 to 15in) long, are covered with a dark green smooth skin, contain a crunchy and juicy flesh, without bitterness, of excellent taste. It is a hardy cucumber intended for field cultivation but also performs very well under cover. Plant the cucumber from April to July, after the last frost, for a harvest from June to September.

The cucumber, along with the tomato, is one of the star vegetables of summer. Refreshing and low in calories, it can be enjoyed in a composed 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 greenhouse cultivation and those that are suitable for open-field cultivation. Cucumbers can be smooth or spiny, long or semi-long. Alongside these classic varieties, there are also more "exotic" cucumbers such as the Kenyan Cucumber or the Snake Cucumber, which are generally more heat-demanding.

Cucumbers prefer light, loose, moist, and humus-rich soils. They like sunny exposures and temperatures between 18 and 22°C (64.4 and 71.6°F). They are quite water-loving vegetables that need regular watering.

Harvest: Cucumbers are harvested when they have reached their final size, before their color turns yellow. Be careful: overripe fruits become bitter. Remember to harvest regularly to encourage the formation of new fruits. Harvesting is usually done from June to September.

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.

The gardener's tip: like all cucurbits, cucumbers can be prone to powdery mildew: a white coating appears on the foliage. It is advisable to remove heavily affected leaves and spray with wettable sulfur every 2 weeks. As a preventive measure, avoid watering the foliage and ensure good ventilation in your greenhouse if growing under cover. A decoction of horsetail can also be sprayed to strengthen foliage resistance.