Armenian cucumbers (Cucumis melo Var. flexuosus), are easy to grow and very prolific producers. They grow very well in Texas and are more heat tolerant than regular cucumbers.
Actually, Armenian cucumbers are not really cucumbers at all. They are a member of the melon family (Cucumis melo). They taste like a cucumber and can be used in dishes calling for cucumbers. Armenian Cucumbers are low in calories, cholesterol and sugar free, and contain fiber, and vitamin C.
When to Plant Armenian Cucumbers in Texas
Cucumbers are easily grown from seeds planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed (March 21st – 2nd week in April usually). Armenian cucumber vines will grow along the ground or climb a trellis. I would advise planting them along a trellis because the trellis saves space, they allow the cucumbers to grow straighter and stay cleaner, and it lessens the amount of splattered water and dirt that could contribute to powdery mildew.
Types of Trellises
There are many types of trellises you can buy or create. Armenian cucumbers send out a lot of thin curling tendrils that curl around forms to anchor the plant and help support the weight of the melons. The tendrils seem to choose to curl around thin structures such as wires. For this reason, I would choose a trellis that is made of mesh wire or something similar. A note on the trellis above: Four inch square wire would be more ideal because the small size of the holes in this wire require you to reposition some of these large cucumbers as they grow.
Rolls of 4″ square wire fencing, and feedlot panels are ideal materials. They are available at hardware and farm supply stores. The roll of wire fencing is very versatile for creating flat panels, or A-frames over 2″x4″ boards, an elegant arch, or even a tubular form.
Planting Cucumbers
Choose a site that receives full-sun. Build one long raised mound row along the base of the trellis that is 2′ wide and 12″ tall. If not using a trellis, build 2′ wide x 12″ tall individual mounds spaced 4′ apart. Plant three or more seeds 1/2″ deep 15″ apart or in the top of the individual mounds.
Armenian Cucumbers will grow in loose, ordinary well-drained garden soil, but will grow even better if aged compost or humus is added. Cover seeds with fine soil and gently mist the mounds with water. Seedlings will emerge in 7-10 days.
Thin Seedlings
Armenian Cucumber Flowers
Armenian cucumbers are self-pollinating. They make male and female flowers on the same plant. Pollen from male flowers is carried to female flowers by pollinators.
You can also hand pollinate the female flowers by dipping a tiny paint brush in a fresh male flower to pick up the yellow pollen and then gently dip it in the female flower. Pollinating is easier to do when the flowers open up fully by late morning.
Only female flowers turn into cucumbers. If you look closely, you will see a very tiny ovary or cucumber-to-be above the female flower. Male flowers will eventually fall off the plant. So don’t worry when you see some yellow blossoms on the ground.
Watering Armenian Cucumbers
Armenian cucumbers like moisture and good drainage. You can add straw or other mulch over the top of the soil to help maintain the moisture level. It is good to water in the evening so the plants can enjoy the moisture longer over the night hours.
Harvesting Armenian Cucumbers
Armenian cucumbers mature in 50-70 days. They produce cucumbers for a few months. The size of an Armenian cucumber can really sneak up on you! Once you notice a small melon forming, check on it daily. They can become large quickly and can grow to over 3 feet long! Be sure to pick them when they are between 14″ to 18″ long. They will become increasingly harder, seedier and less edible the more they grow beyond 18″. Harvest them by cutting the stems with scissors or a paring knife (don’t pull on the vines).
If you do want to grow seeds for your next crop, then wait until the end of the season and allow one melon to grow large and produce seeds.
Storage
Wash Armenian cucumbers and set them on a towel to air dry until they are almost dry to the touch. Then place them in the vegetable crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Culinary Uses for Armenian Cucumbers
One of My Simple Armenian Cucumber salad recipes
One Armenian Cucumber cut lengthwise and spoon out the seeds. Cut the two halves into 1/4″ pieces. 1 can of Mandarian Orange slices (with juice) 1/2 of a large White Onion cut into thin strips 1.5 teaspoon of fresh tarragon Mix together, cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
Pests and Diseases
Cucumber pests include aphids and cucumber beetles (small lime green beetles with black spots). The most common disease is powdery mildew (leaves have a white, powdery appearance). The pests and powdery mildew can be treated with organic neem oil sprayed on the plants (mix as recommended on the bottle). Never store neem oil, always use it fresh.
Make sure there is a drain hole in the pot and fill it with loamy potting soil. Put the pot in a location off the ground. Sprinkle the tiny seeds over the surface of the soil. Then gently firm the soil with your hand and water the soil well with a mister bottle or the mist setting on a water hose. Water well. Continue to check on your plants daily and mist them whenever the soil begins to dry. Moist soil is crucial for germination. Continue to mist your plants until they are at least an inch tall. Then you can water with the gentle shower setting without blasting the tiny plants out of the soil.
A homemade treatment for powdery mildew
Make a spray solution out of the following ingredients: 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of a biodegradable liquid dish soap such as Seventh Generation, mixed into 1 gallon of water. Shake well and add to a spray bottle. Spray the plant in the evening, when sunlight is not shining on the leaves.
Brief Summary
- Planting Time: Spring, after the last frost (March 21st – April)
- Light: Full sun
- Seed Planting Depth: 1/2″
- Soil: well-drained, with aged compost or manure
- Spacing: 15″ apart if grown on a trellis
- Water: Likes moisture, add a layer of straw or other mulch to maintain moisture
- Height: 6′ – 9′ tall vines
- Culinary Use: Salads, sauces, cooked
52 Responses
The seeds are very hard to find. I used to plant them every year. They are the bast for cucumber salads !
Hello Linda,
It looks like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds has some Armenian cucumber seeds in stock: https://www.rareseeds.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Armenian+cucumber. Happy gardening.
Hey there Rebecca,
Nice website name. I grow dozens of melons grown immature as cucumbers, just like the Armenian cucumber.
Let me know if you would like to try something that grows just as easily, produces faster and tastes much better. I call it the Striped Carosello Leccese.
Happy Gardening!
Hello Jay,
They sound interesting. I would like to try some.
Great info for someone who’s used to New York Food. Maybe I’ll give this a chance. Cucumbers are wonderful to eat so why not add a bit of sauce/ranch?
I would love to try some, too!
Great stuff, thank you for this information, the comments are helpful too.
My grandmother grows these cucumbers, they are delicious!
I’ve never tried this variety of cucumber before, but I might have to now!
This is great info!
I am always looking for more info on gardening & tips.
Some great tips!
I never knew this type of cucumber existed. Usually buy the ‘regular’ ones at the farmers markets or what they call English Cucumber. Our family really loves the cucumber – we use sliced ones instead of chips for dips, always in a salad and just to munch on. I definitely will ask about them at the next farmers market. I wish I had a place to plant.
I’m learning so much thanks to you! I’ve always had a brown thumb, but your videos & posts really help!
Nice tips! It’s not so hot here in Illinois.
they sound like something I will probably try to grow sometime in the future.
wish I could grow in Monte Lake
Wow, those look delicious! I wish I had the space to grow something like that!
I would really love to leave a wonderful tip because we all are after the 5 bonus points lol. But to honest I have never had the opportunity to plant these types of cucumbers, I would love to try them though.
Wow! Those things are monsters. Very impressive. I used to grow cucumbers but always gave them to other people because I didn’t really like them myself.
Wow! Those are some huge cucumbers! I have never heard of that variety before. Interesting information!
I don’t live in Texas but everyone benefits on learning how to grow fruits and vegetables.
Dig a hole and sow them easy as that
My mother is obsessed with gardening and would love to add some cucumbers to her plant “collection”. Nice article!
with good soil a lot of water and some LOVE. Thats how you grow Texas anything!!
This is very cool! We grow at lot of things that aren’t native to our area (so. WV), including Israeli-Moroccan etrogs (citrons), Mexican Gherkins, Vietnamese herbs & hot peppers, and many hot peppers from around the world! I am going to look for these cucumber seeds!
Very informative!
Summertime growth for KY
Great tips especially for someone who’s not into vegetables lol
My garden isn’t big enough to grow this plant. i wish I could.
I had no idea that Armenian cucumbers were actually melons! How crazy!
I love cucumbers!! I also live in East Texas. I am going to try to [plant some of these when it gets warm enough! Thanks for sharing!
I’m learning so much about cucumbers! Thanks for all of the great information
These cucumbers look delicious. Thank you for the information.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for all the information! This website is awesome
I would like to try these in northeast Tennessee.
Love that you can trellis these because we have very limited sunlight in our yard! Thanks for the tips!
I have never heard of these cucumbers but, I will look for the seeds.
I’ve never tried Armenian cucumbers, but we try to grow several vegetables besides tomatoes every summer. Hope to try this type, I absolutely love cucumbers. I even slice them and eat in a toasted cheese sandwich. Tomatoes sandwiches are good too. Many use mayonnaise on their tomato sand8.
Those are beautiful cucumbers
This was helpful.
Fresh cucumbers are one of my favorites. I don’t think I ever had the Armenian cucumbers. They looks delicious!
Cucumber salad with sour cream favorite
Cuc sandwiches a little salt.
If I’m ever in Texas, I’ll give it a try!
Thanks for the info regarding trellises. I need to do this.
Wow never heard of these cucumbers but ill definitely get me some seeds. Thanks for the article very informative as always
Great tips! I might just have to try this.
Nice tips! I love cucumbers and have often grow them in my garden.
My husband and kids love cucumbers. I grow them in my garden. Thank you for the information.
Thank you for the info. We love cucumbers!
i don’t even know what an armenian cucumber is, thanks for the info