Cucumber Cucumis sativus 'Passandra'
ABOUT
The Cucumis sativus 'Passandra', commonly known as cucumber, is a creeping vine plant. It exhibits a climbing or sprawling growth habit, with spiraling tendrils that help it to climb supports or spread across the ground. The plant bears bright green, glossy leaves which are somewhat triangular in shape and feature a hairy texture. The edges of the leaves are deeply lobed and serrated. Flowers on the cucumber plant are typically yellow and small, with a bell-like shape that gives way to the fruiting body, which is the part most often associated with the name cucumber. 'Passandra' cucumbers are known for their smooth, cylindrical shape, with dark green skin that is usually marked with lighter green stripes or speckles. The skin of the cucumber can be thin and delicate. The flesh inside is crisp, pale green, and contains a patterned arrangement of seeds in the center. The fruit of the plant is typically harvested when it reaches the desired size for consumption. Overall, the cucumber plant has a lush, green appearance with the telltale fruit hanging from the vine, sometimes hidden beneath the foliage. Its growth is versatile, as it can adapt to being supported by trellises or left to trail on the ground.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cucurbitaceae.
Synonyms
Passandra Cucumber, Garden Cucumber, Slicing Cucumber.
Common names
Cucumis sativus.
ToxicityTo humans
Cucumis sativus 'Passandra', commonly known as cucumber, is not toxic to humans. In fact, cucumbers are widely consumed as a culinary vegetable around the world. Eating cucumbers is generally safe, and they are known for their nutritional benefits rather than any toxicity. There is no concern for poisoning or harmful consequences from ingesting this plant as part of a normal diet. However, some people may experience digestive discomfort if they have an allergy or sensitivity to cucumbers.
To pets
Cucumis sativus 'Passandra', commonly known as cucumber, is not toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Cucumbers can be a low-calorie treat for pets, but they should be given in moderation to prevent digestive upset due to the high water and fiber content. There are no known toxic effects or symptoms of poisoning from pets ingesting cucumber, making it a safe snack when offered in small quantities as part of a balanced diet. However, as with any food that is not a regular part of a pet's diet, owners should introduce cucumber to their pets gradually to avoid any adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
India
Benefits
General Benefits- High Yield: 'Passandra' is known for its high fruit yield, making it a productive choice for both commercial and home gardeners.
- Disease Resistance: This variety has been bred for greater resistance to common cucumber diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew.
- Long Harvest Period: It maintains a longer harvesting window, providing fresh cucumbers over an extended period.
- Good Shelf Life: 'Passandra' cucumbers have a good shelf life which makes them suitable for storage and later consumption.
- Consistent Fruit Size: This cultivar produces fruits that are uniform in size, which is desirable for market presentation.
- Flavorful: The fruits are known for their crisp texture and refreshing taste, which is appreciated by consumers.
- Greenhouse Suitable: 'Passandra' can thrive in greenhouse conditions, allowing for year-round cultivation in controlled environments.
- Minimal Spines: The fruit skin has minimal spines, making them easier to handle and prepare.
- Adaptability: It adapts well to different climatic conditions, which makes it a versatile choice for growing in various regions.
- Pollination Flexibility: It can be grown both in settings that depend on bee pollination and in bee-less greenhouses, offering flexibility to growers.
- Low Maintenance: 'Passandra' is relatively low maintenance, requiring standard cucumber cultivation practices without needing specialized care.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pickling Agent: The cucumber can be used to create traditional pickled vegetables, imparting its distinct flavor to a variety of dishes.
- Gardening Companion Plant: Cucumbers can be grown alongside certain plants, like corn or beans, to help deter pests and improve overall garden health.
- Beauty Treatments: Cucumber slices are often used as a natural remedy to soothe puffy eyes and reduce dark circles due to their cooling effect.
- Homemade Insect Repellent: Juice from cucumbers can be mixed with essential oils to create a natural insect deterrent for use on the skin or around the home.
- Shoe Polish Alternative: Cucumber skin can be used to provide a quick, temporary shine to shoes in the absence of traditional shoe polish.
- Stress Relief: The scent of cucumber is said to have a calming effect and can be used in aromatherapy to reduce stress levels.
- Natural Dye: The cucumber skin contains chlorophyll which can be used as a natural green dye for fabrics or crafts.
- DIY Non-Toxic Paint for Kids: Pureed cucumber mixed with flour and food coloring can create a safe, washable paint for children's crafts.
- Writing Tool: In a pinch, the juice from a cucumber can be used as a temporary and faint writing ink on paper.
- Culinary Garnish: Cucumber slices and shavings are commonly used to add aesthetic appeal and a fresh taste to gourmet dishes and cocktails.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe cucumber is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe cucumber is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fertility: The cucumber, being a prolific vegetable, is often associated with fertility and abundance due to its tendency to produce a large number of fruits once it starts bearing.
- Healing: With its high water content and cooling properties, cucumbers symbolize healing and are used to soothe skin ailments and provide hydration.
- Renewal: The growth cycle of cucumbers, from seed to harvest, represents the concept of renewal and the continuous cycle of life and growth.
- Purity: The crisp and fresh nature of cucumbers is sometimes connected with purity and cleanliness, reflecting its detoxifying effects on the body.
- Protection: In some traditions, cucumbers are believed to offer protection against negative influences, possibly because of their vigorous growth and ability to cover the ground, which could symbolically "shield" an area.
WaterFor the cucumber variety Cucumis sativus 'Passandra,' consistent soil moisture is essential, especially during fruiting. Water deeply once or twice a week, delivering around 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant, depending on weather conditions. Increase watering frequency during dry, hot periods, but ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Drip irrigation or a soaker hose is ideal to direct water to the root zone and minimize leaf wetness, which can lead to disease. It's preferable to water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
LightCucumber plants thrive in full sunlight, so place the 'Passandra' cucumber in a location where it gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for the plant would be an unobstructed south-facing garden bed or in containers that can be positioned to maximize sun exposure. Avoid areas that receive too much shade, as this can hinder growth and fruit production.
TemperatureCucumis sativus 'Passandra' cucumbers prefer warm temperatures with daytime highs around 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime lows not dipping below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can handle temperatures up to about 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth and fruiting might slow. It’s vulnerable to frost and cold weather; temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plant and impair growth. Provide protection if unexpected cold snaps are predicted.
PruningPruning cucumber plants like 'Passandra' can improve air circulation, reduce disease pressure, and concentrate the plant’s energy on fruit production. Prune by removing excess foliage and any suckers or lateral shoots that appear at the base or along the vines. It’s best to prune when the plant is dry to minimize the spread of disease. Typically, light pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed, with the best time being early in the morning.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for growing cucumber (Cucumis sativus 'Passandra') consists of a well-draining, fertile loam with a good amount of organic matter. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to provide optimal nutrient availability and support healthy growth.
RepottingCucumis sativus 'Passandra', commonly known as cucumber, is typically grown as an annual plant, so repotting is not usually necessary. Rather, it is planted anew each growing season.
Humidity & MistingCucumbers, including the Cucumis sativus 'Passandra', prefer moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 70% for optimal growth, while ensuring good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use pots with drainage, place in full light, and maintain warm temps.
Outdoor
Plant in warm soil, full sun, after frost risk passes.
Hardiness zone
Cucumis sativus 'Passandra' is suitable for USDA zones 4-11.
Life cycleCucumis sativus 'Passandra', commonly known as Passandra cucumber, starts as a seed, which germinates in warm, moist soil, emerging as a seedling with cotyledons (initial leaves). As it grows, true leaves develop and the plant forms a vining or bushy structure, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The Passandra cucumber then enters the flowering stage, producing yellow flowers which are typically pollinated by insects, leading to the development of fruit. The fruit matures, starting as small green elongations and growing into larger, edible cucumbers with a characteristic dark green skin. After fruiting, as the plant ages and environmental conditions become less favorable, it begins to senesce, yellowing and drying before dying. The plant’s life cycle can be completed and started anew when seeds are collected from mature fruit and planted the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Cucumis sativus 'Passandra', commonly known as the Passandra cucumber, is most commonly propagated through seed sowing. The optimal time for sowing cucumber seeds is after the last frost when the soil has warmed up, usually from late spring to early summer depending on the climate. To propagate, seeds should be planted about half an inch deep (about 1.27 cm) in fertile, well-drained soil preferably in a sunny location. It's ideal to space the seeds 18 to 36 inches apart (approximately 45 to 91 cm) to give the plants enough room to grow. Watering should be done consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage germination, which typically takes 7 to 10 days. Using trellises or other support structures can help manage the cucumber vines as they grow and improve air circulation around the plants, reducing the risk of disease.
