Description Heirloom Vegetable. This Asian burpless cucumber produces crisp, non-bitter fruit 20-30 cm (8-12″) long. The ribbed, spiny fruits become somewhat smoother as they mature, all have a unique curled end. For straighter fruit, we suggest growing this variety on a trellis or other vertical support. How to Grow This variety will grow best in a rich, warm, sandy loam soil. Before planting, work into the native soil 30 cm (12″) deep large amounts of garden compost or composted manure. As cooler soil will reduce germination and increase the chance of the seed rotting before it sprouts, wait until the soil has reached a temperature of at least 18 C (66 F) before planting. Mound the soil up into hills about 15-20 cm (6-8″) high and about 30-60 cm (12-24″) across. Space the hills about 120 cm (4′) apart. Sow the seed 2 cm (3/4″) deep with 6 to 8 seeds per hill then after the seed sprouts, thin to 3 or 4 plants per hill. If you have limited space or wish to have the fruit as straight as possible, grow this variety on a trellis. Protect the plants from any late spring/early summer frosts and keep the plants evenly watered through the growing season. Even soil moisture is very important as the fruit will become very bitter if the plant becomes moisture stressed by hot dry weather. To prevent damage to the plant, harvest the fruit by cutting them from the vine with a sharp knife – do not pull or twist them from the vine.
