Cucumber : Boothby's Blonde

Vegetable

• Crops in : June to October

Description

An American heirloom originating from the Boothby family in Maine. Cucumber Boothby's Blonde is a prolific cropper outdoors, best eaten small, 10cm (4in) when crisp and sweet with no need to peel. Cucumber Boothby's Blonde are dimpled, slightly spined cucumbers with creamy-yellow skin. Fruits will grow up to 20cm (8in) when they are best used for pickling or cooking.

Sowing Instructions

Sow February to May. Sow seeds 1cm (½in) deep in 7cm (3in) pots of free-draining compost. Place in a propagator and keep at a temperature of around 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination, usually 5-7 days.

Growing Instructions

When first true leaves develop, transplant into 13cm (5in) pots. Plant outdoors once all risk of frost has past, allowing 90cm (3ft) between plants.

Aftercare

Keep plants well fed and watered throughout the growing season , to encourage the best quality fruits.

Trailing/climbing types crop heavier if allowed to climb. Do not remove male flowers from these varieties.

Nutritional Information

Cucumbers are 96% water, low in calories but high in potassium. Avoid peeling as the dark green skin is rich in carotenoid antioxidants.