Cucumis sativus 'Suyo Long', Suyo Long Cucumber
Vegetables

Cucumis sativus 'Suyo Long'

Suyo Long Cucumber

CucurbitaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitclimbing
Foliagedeciduous
Height6-8 feet
Width2-3 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4a - 10b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Cucumis sativus 'Suyo Long' is a distinctive heirloom cucumber variety prized for its exceptionally long, slender fruits that can reach 15-18 inches in length. This vigorous climbing cultivar produces deeply ribbed, burpless cucumbers with thin, edible skin and crisp, sweet flesh. The fruits are characteristically curved and fluted with prominent longitudinal ridges, giving them an almost serpentine appearance when fully mature. The plant displays typical cucumber morphology with large, heart-shaped leaves that are deeply lobed and covered in fine hairs. Bright yellow, funnel-shaped flowers appear along the vines, with both male and female flowers present on the same plant. Cucumis sativus 'Suyo Long' is known for its exceptional climbing ability, often reaching heights of 6-8 feet when provided with proper support, making it ideal for vertical growing systems and maximizing garden space.

Native Range

Cucumis sativus originates from the foothills of the Himalayas, specifically the regions of northern India and southern China. The 'Suyo Long' cultivar was developed in China and represents a traditional Asian cucumber type that has been cultivated for centuries in East Asian gardens.

Suggested Uses

Cucumis sativus 'Suyo Long' works well in vertical gardens, trellised beds, and small space gardens where climbing varieties maximize production. Excellent for fresh eating, Asian cuisine, pickling when young, and specialty market sales. The unique appearance and exceptional length make these cucumbers conversation pieces in home gardens and attractive additions to farmers market displays.

How to Identify

Cucumis sativus 'Suyo Long' can be identified by its distinctively long, ribbed fruits that measure 15-18 inches when mature, displaying prominent longitudinal fluting and a characteristic curved shape. The cucumbers have thin, dark green skin with lighter green stripes along the ribs. The vines are exceptionally vigorous climbers with large, heart-shaped leaves that are more deeply lobed than typical cucumber varieties. The plant's strong climbing tendency and production of consistently long, slender fruits with pronounced ridges distinguishes it from other cucumber cultivars.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
summer through early fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium to dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• 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
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

60-65 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Cucumis sativus 'Suyo Long' requires consistent moisture and rich, well-draining soil with regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Provide strong vertical support such as trellises or poles, as this vigorous climber can reach 6-8 feet in height. Water deeply and regularly, maintaining consistent soil moisture but avoiding waterlogged conditions. Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, switching to a lower nitrogen formula once fruit production begins. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest fruits regularly when they reach 12-15 inches long to encourage continued production.

Pruning

Prune Cucumis sativus 'Suyo Long' by removing lower leaves that touch the ground and pinching off lateral shoots to encourage vertical growth and air circulation. Remove any diseased or yellowing foliage promptly. Train the main vine up the support structure and secure with soft ties. Once the vine reaches the top of the support, pinch the growing tip to encourage lateral branching and fruit development. Regular harvesting of mature fruits acts as pruning by redirecting the plant's energy into new fruit production.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Cucumis sativus 'Suyo Long' is non-toxic and safe for human consumption. The fruits, when properly mature, are edible and nutritious. As with all members of the Cucurbitaceae family, avoid consuming any bitter-tasting fruits, as this may indicate the presence of cucurbitacins, which can cause digestive upset.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

3 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

2-3 weeks after last frost when soil temperature reaches 65°F

Days to Maturity

60–65 days

Plant Spacing

12 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

radishes
lettuce
beans
corn
marigolds
nasturtiums

Avoid Planting With

potatoes
aromatic herbs
fennel