What are the sun requirements for Cucumis sativus 'Suyo Long'?

Cucumis sativus 'Suyo Long' is Suyo Long cucumber (Chinese long cucumber), a vigorous climbing annual vine 72-96 inches (180-240 cm / 6-8 feet) on a trellis. Long slender dark green fruit 15-18 inches (38-45 cm) with prominent longitudinal ridges and a curved serpentine shape when grown on the ground — straighter when trellised (gravity pulls them straight). Thin edible skin with low cucurbitacin content (a burpless type — reduced bitterness and digestive discomfort). Bright yellow trumpet-shaped monoecious flowers. Large deeply lobed heart-shaped leaves. In the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). Chinese heirloom. Open-pollinated: seed can be saved. Monoecious: requires bee pollination. The fruit is longer and more slender than standard American slicing types ('Straight Eight,' 'Marketmore'). Heat-tolerant: continues fruiting in summer heat when other cucumber cultivars decline. Cucumber beetles (Diabrotica, Acalymma) transmit bacterial wilt (Erwinia tracheiphila) — the primary pest concern. Consistent moisture — drought causes bitter fruit. Direct-sow after last frost when soil reaches 65°F (18°C). Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Full sun. Tender annual. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Chinese heirloom cultivar. The species C. sativus is native to South Asia (India).

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens on trellises and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with support. The long slender burpless fruit. Straighter on a trellis. Heat-tolerant. Chinese heirloom. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Non-toxic. Tender annual.

How to Identify

Identified by long slender dark green fruit 15-18 inches (38-45 cm) with prominent longitudinal ridges and a curved shape on a vigorous climbing vine. The length (15-18 inches vs. 8-9 inches for standard slicers) and the ridged serpentine shape are diagnostic. Burpless type. In Cucurbitaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Summer Fall

Summer to fall (June-September). Bright yellow trumpet-shaped monoecious flowers. Requires bee pollination. Fruit 60-65 days from seed. Heat-tolerant — continues in summer heat.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright yellow, trumpet-shaped, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm); monoecious

Foliage Description

Medium to dark green, large heart-shaped, deeply lobed, 6-8 inches (15-20 cm), with fine hairs

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

60-65 days from seed

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun (6+ hours). Rich moist soil pH 6.0-7.0. Trellis for straight fruit (curved on the ground). Consistent moisture (bitter in drought). Requires bee pollination. Heat-tolerant. Cucumber beetles transmit bacterial wilt. Harvest at 12-15 inches (30-38 cm). Non-toxic. Tender annual.

Pruning

Train vines to a trellis. Remove lower leaves touching soil. Harvest regularly at 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) — overripe fruit becomes seedy and bitter. No other pruning needed.

Pruning Schedule

summer