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How to germinate and cultivate cucumber (khira) seeds

For lunch or dinner, isn’t a tray of peeled cucumbers familiar to nearly all Indians?

Elder family members have always told us that cucumber is beneficial for digestion, epidermis, and summer temperatures.

Consequently, “refreshing” is the first word that comes to mind when cucumber is mentioned. This fruit’s high water content provides a calming effect during hot summer months.

On this crisp, faintly melon-like fruit, a sprinkling of black salt and black pepper tastes phenomenal. When combined with shallots, carrots, and boiled peas, it becomes an appropriate, nutritious nibble.

Is the topic limited to cucumbers?

Cucumbers aid in weight loss, are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and strengthen the immune system.

In this blog, we will become more familiar with cucumbers and discover the following:

Several fascinating details about cucumber

How to germinate and cultivate cucumber (khira) seedlings

Care instructions for cucumber plants

Cucumbers offer exceptional health advantages

Want to know more? So, let’s get begun.

Several fascinating details about cucumber

Native to South Asia and a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, cucumber is a widely cultivated vine plant with cylinder-shaped melons.

China is the greatest producer of cucumbers in the globe.

According to legend, Christopher Columbus brought cucumbers to Haiti in 1494.

Cucumber slices or puree may provide immediate relief for sunburns.

Additionally, cucumber can reduce eye puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.

In the second or third millennium BCE, India was the first nation to domestically cultivate cucumbers.

Are you aware that there can be a 20-degree temperature difference between the inside of a cucumber and the outside air?

How to germinate and cultivate cucumber (khira) seedlings

Cucumber is an easy-to-grow plant with a high yield. You can easily cultivate it in your courtyard or opt for balcony or terrace bush gardening. Ensure that it receives ample sunlight and water. These methods will assist you in growing cucumbers from seeds: –

First, prepare the terrain

This phase requires you to locate a sunny location in your interior, outdoor, or terrace garden.

Remove weeds from this area because they deplete the soil of nutrients and moisture, depleting your cucumbers.

For optimal results, manually remove as much of the weed’s root as possible. There is a high likelihood that the same weed will reappear if the root is not removed.

It is recommended not to use herbicides because they render the soil unfit for plant growth.

Now, examine the pH level of the soil and ensure that it is 7.0. If it is deficient, agricultural lime can be added to increase the pH, and sulphur or aluminium sulphate can be added to decrease it.

Second, fertilise the soil

If you use inorganic fertiliser, the slow-release granular fertiliser will nourish your cucumbers throughout their entire growth cycle.

Use compost or aged manure as natural fertiliser. First, they should be incorporated into the soil to a depth of approximately 2 inches (5.1 centimetres), and then progressively cut and worked into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm).

Third phase: temperature measurement

The optimal soil temperature for planting is 21 degrees Celsius.

Fourth step: Water the soil

Before planting, check the soil’s moisture content with your finger. If the soil is dried, add moisture to it before sowing the seeds. Utilise an irrigation can to apply water gently to the soil.

Step 5: Distribute cucumber seed

Simply distribute three to four seeds in groups of two to three every 18 to 36 inches on the ground or in a container. By sowing multiple seeds together, you can choose the most robust plant.

Lightly press the seeds into the soil in the sixth stage. Cucumber seeds should not be planted deeper than 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) in the soil. Alternately, you could place them on top of the soil and then cover them with the same depth of topsoil.

Seventh stage: spacing is essential

Cucumber plants require ample growth space. Cucumber vines can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m), which is sufficient to cover the ground in large gardens. Therefore, you must provide ample space for cucumber vines; otherwise, the fruit will be acrid and the plants will ultimately stop producing.

Stage 8: Trellis for improved growth

For improved results, it is suggested to construct a trellis. When cucumbers are grown vertically with the aid of a trellis, they receive more sunlight, resulting in increased yield.

To construct an enclosure with a diameter of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimetres), use 4 or 5 foot tall welded wire fencing or hog wire. This size cage can contain two or three vines.

As your plant grows, you can carefully wrap the tendrils around the wire to encourage it to ascend the trellis.

Care instructions for cucumber plants

Cucumbers are simple to cultivate, but there are a few minimal requirements that must be met. The fundamental needs of a cucumber plant are outlined below.

Soil

The ideal soil for cucumbers is porous, light, and granular because this type of soil warms up and retains heat more efficiently. If your soil contains more silt, add organic material. Peat, compost, or decomposed manure can be used to amend dense, weighty soil. Also, keep in mind that the soil pH must be between 7 and 8 for optimal cucumber growth.

Temperature

The optimal temperature range for cucumber plants is between 23 and 33 degrees Celsius. If you reside in a region where temperatures frequently exceed this threshold, you must shade your vegetation from the intense afternoon sun. Use adjacent tall plants for shade, or cover the plants with a cloth.

Fertilizer

If, as stated previously, fertiliser was applied prior to seeding, wait until vine runners begin to grow and flowers begin to blossom. Every two weeks, apply either organic feed, a light liquid fertiliser, compost, or aged manure. Yellowing leaves indicate that your plant requires more nitrogen; therefore, you should apply a high-nitrogen fertiliser.

Mulching

Add mulch when the seeds begin to emerge. Mulch prevents the growth of weeds, which could deprive your cucumber plants of essential nutrients. Moreover, it maintains the soil heated and moist. Use a darker mulch to provide additional warmth.

Location

The bright and sunny location in your garden, backyard, terrace, or veranda is ideal for cucumber growth. Additionally, you may choose the window that receives the most sunlight.

Sunshine

Cucumbers are a tropical plant, so they require a great deal of direct sunlight. Choose a location where they will not be overly shielded from the afternoon sun. Thus, 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight is essential.

Water

Cucumber plants require at least 1-2 inches of water per week in order to remain hydrated. Additionally, wet the soil around the cucumber plants. When the plant blossoms and begins to produce fruit, extreme caution is required. At this time, a cucumber with an acrid taste could be produced by submerging it in water. Avoid overwatering, as wet foliage can lead to powdery mildew. Choose a trickle irrigation system for a steady supply of moisture.

Cucumbers offer exceptional health advantages

One of the greatest things about cucumber is that it helps you remain hydrated and prevents constipation due to its high fibre content. The following are a few of cucumbers’ numerous additional health benefits: –

Controls arterial pressure

Cucumber decreases blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiac disease due to its high magnesium, potassium, and fibre content. According to research, elderly individuals with hypertension and elevated blood pressure should ingest cucumbers on a regular basis.

Excellent for weight loss

Cucumbers contain few calories and are composed of 96% water. Cucumber contains only 15.5 calories per 100 grammes. The amount of lipids in one cucumber of medium size is 0. They are fantastic for weight reduction.

Eating cucumbers can keep our intestines cold and promote digestion. The soluble fibre in cucumbers helps to slow down our digestive processes. In addition, the high water content of cucumbers softens our faeces, prevents constipation, and keeps our bowel movements regular.

Always keeps you moisturised

96% of cucumbers are composed of water. So, what else do you need to maintain hydration? In the summer, we are more susceptible to dehydration, so be sure to consume cucumbers during those sweltering and muggy months.

Cooling impact

In the summer, our body temperature rises due to the elevated temperatures outside. If you don’t drink enough water or eat foods that are cold for your body, you could become ill quickly. Cucumbers must be consumed because they are composed of 96% water and have a calming effect.

Detoxifies the body

Cucumber is present in the vast majority of detox beverages that your nutritionist or dietician prescribes. Why? Because cucumber is excellent at eliminating impurities from the body, regenerating cells, hydrating the body, and maintaining fitness.

For glowing complexion

Whether you consume it or apply its juice topically, cucumber will enhance your skin’s radiance. The epidermis of individuals who routinely consume cucumbers and apply cucumber juice to their faces is softer and more radiant. The anti-inflammatory properties of cucumber also aid in removing dark blotches and tans. Additionally, it reduces fine lines and creases.

Can possibly prevent cancer:

According to studies, the fibre in artichokes protects against colorectal cancer. In addition, cucumbers contain the anti-cancer compound cucurbitacin.

Cucumbers contain phytochemicals that eliminate the microorganisms in our mouths responsible for foul breath.

In a nutshell, it is evident that cucumber consumption is essential for a wholesome existence. As it is a low-maintenance plant, you can easily cultivate it at home by following the instructions in this blog. I hope you find this helpful.

FAQ about cucumbers: –

Is it healthy to consume cucumbers daily?

Daily consumption of one cucumber is advantageous. Due to its high water content, it will keep you hydrated and satisfied for an extended duration.

Is cucumber beneficial to weight loss?

Cucumber is beneficial for weight loss because it is low in calories, fat-free, and contains 96% water.

What are cucumber’s benefits?

Cucumbers contain iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, folic acid, and vitamin C in addition to 96% water. Therefore, cucumber is beneficial for digestion, controlling blood pressure, reducing weight, preventing skin conditions, etc.

How long does it take cucumbers to mature?

50 to 70 days after sowing, cucumbers can be harvested.

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