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Cucumis sativus 'Persian'
Persian Cucumber
India (Cucumis sativus); Persian-type cucumbers selected in the Middle East and Iran for thin-skinned, burpless characteristics
Overview
Cucumis sativus 'Persian' refers to the standard Persian cucumber type — a burpless, thin-skinned, seedless-when-young cucumber widely grown commercially and in home gardens. Vining plants reach 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 m). Fruit are 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) long and 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) in diameter, smooth, dark green, with thin, tender, edible skin and crisp, mild, sweet flesh. The defining characteristic of the Persian type is the combination of small size, thin edible skin, minimal seed cavity, and burpless quality (low cucurbitacin). The type has become the dominant fresh-eating cucumber in US grocery stores, marketed as "mini cucumbers" or "Persian cucumbers." Days to maturity 55-60 from direct sow. Plants are gynoecious or parthenocarpic (seedless without pollination) in many commercial varieties — home-garden open-pollinated types are monoecious. Highly productive — 15-25 fruit per plant. The thin skin bruises more easily than standard slicing types — careful handling at harvest matters.
Native Range
Cucumis sativus is native to India. Persian-type cucumbers were selected in the Middle East and Iran for the thin-skinned, burpless characteristics.Suggested Uses
Fresh eating — the dominant snacking and salad cucumber. Eaten whole, sliced, or diced without peeling. Used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asian salads and preparations. The small size suits lunchboxes and snack plates. In the Pacific Northwest, a reliable fresh-eating cucumber for trellis culture.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height5' - 8'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Yellow flowers appear from June through September. Pollination is by bees (monoecious types) or parthenocarpic (sets fruit without pollination).
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Medium greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Direct sow 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep after last frost, soil 65°F (18°C). Plants are spaced 12 inches (30 cm) on a trellis. Full sun, pH 6.0-7.0. Watering is 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) per week. Trellis culture produces straighter fruit. Harvest at 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) for peak quality. In the Pacific Northwest, direct sowing in late May to early June supports July harvest.Pruning
No pruning is required. The main vine is trained up the trellis; laterals are pinched after the first fruit when desired.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons