H-19 Little Leaf

Family: Cucurbitaceae Vegetable

Aromatically crisp and vividly refreshing, H-19 Little Leaf Beit Alpha Cucumber delivers slender, dark-green fruit with a clean, juicy snap and a tender, never-bitter bite.

Expect a compact, well-branched plant that sets abundant cucumbers for steady harvest, with a smooth, lightly glossy skin that shines in the garden. Ideal for fresh slicing and quick pickling, these cucumbers bring bright crunch to every bowl and jar.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 52 DaysHabit: Vine

Botanical illustration of H-19 Little Leaf

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 9th
Harvest Begins	Jun 30th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	52
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

H-19 Little Leaf is built for the moment you bite down—juicy snap, tender bite, and zero bitterness even with quick handling. Keep it cold and sharp: lemon, vinegar, yogurt, and feta make it taste like crisp green summer instead of watery salad filler.

Best Uses

paper-thin slicing for high-crunch salads
quick refrigerator pickles that stay snappy
lunchbox-style cucumber spears with salt and citrus
tossing into cold yogurt-herb bowls

Flavor Profile

clean, watery crunch vivid, lightly grassy freshness tender skin with a never-bitter bite

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic Greek yogurt black pepper rice vinegar feta

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Cucumis sativus (cucumber) plants developing powdery white patches on leaves, and what should I do?

Powdery mildew is common on Cucumis sativus, showing as a gray-white powder on leaf surfaces that can spread and stunt growth. Start control early by removing the worst leaves and improving airflow (don’t crowd rows; keep foliage dry by watering at the base). Spray a labeled fungicide for cucurbits or use a horticultural oil/biological option at the first signs, repeating according to the product label until the disease pressure drops.

How often should I water Cucumis sativus during the main growing phase (after vines start running)?

Keep soil consistently evenly moist during active vine growth—typically about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 sessions if it’s hot. Water deeply at the base early in the day so the topsoil doesn’t dry out completely, because drought stress can lead to bitter fruit and misshapen cucumbers. If leaves wilt midday but recover by evening, increase the frequency while maintaining good drainage.

How can I tell when Cucumis sativus (H-19 Little Leaf) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are firm, reach the expected small size for your variety, and the skin is glossy and evenly colored (avoid yellowing). Check daily once plants start producing—cucumbers can go from perfect to oversized quickly, which reduces crispness. Use a knife or pruners to cut the fruit with a short stem so you don’t damage the vine.