Syrian Smooth Cucumbers are smooth, green, waxy, and mild. They are perfect for salads when harvested at about 3" long. In 1949, The Near East Foundation collected this variety in Homs, Syria and gave it to the USDA, who called it "Homs 6" and "PI 181940". Our friends at the Experimental Farm Network requested this variety (and shared it with us) as one of many from Homs and other regions around the world where farmers are being affected by war and natural disaster. Days to maturity: 57 from transplant Seeds per pack: 20 Germination rate: 99% on 11/17/2025 Planting / harvesting notes Seed indoors 2-3 weeks beforehand and transplant into warm soil (above 60 degrees at night). Space the plants at 12 inches apart. Vines grow 4-5 feet, so allow them space to sprawl. Practice pest control, including covering the plants with row cover as they size up to keep off cucumber beetles, which can spread disease. Harvest 3 inch fruits daily. Seed keeping notes Cucumbers are insect pollinated and require about 1/2 a mile of isolation from other varieties of the same species, which in this case is Cucumis sativus. The seeds will be fully mature when the fruit turns yellowish orange, large, and bloated - harvest at this stage. Separate the seeds from the flesh, rinse them, and dry them on a screen or paper product away from direct sunlight in a ventilated place. The plumpest and hardest seeds will be most viable.
