Long Feng

Family: Cucurbitaceae Vegetable

Bask in the crisp, cool snap of Long Feng—an Asian cucumber prized for its long, gently tapered form and refreshingly clean, mild flavor.

The skin stays tender and glossy, with a subtle, dark-green sheen that invites slicing straight from the garden, while the flesh remains firm and juicy for satisfying freshness. Grow Long Feng for vibrant summer salads, quick pickling, and bright, garden-forward sauces where its delicate character shines.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Vine

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 25th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 9th
Harvest Begins	Jul 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Long Feng’s tender skin and high juice keep it crisp even when sliced thin, so it doesn’t dull into soggy sadness. This is the cucumber you want when you need refreshing crunch—pickled fast, dressed hard, or smashed with bold aromatics to stay clean and snappy.

Best Uses

thin ribbons for salt-and-vinegar summer salads
quick pickles (refrigerator style) that stay crisp
hot-weather smashing—toss with sesame oil and chili without turning watery
grated cucumber in bright, quick dipping sauces

Flavor Profile

cool, mild cucumber flavor firm, juicy crunch with a clean snap tender, glossy skin for fast bites light herbaceous freshness

Kitchen Pairings

rice vinegar sesame oil soy sauce garlic chili crisp lime juice

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Cucumis sativus (cucumber) and what should I do about it?

Cucumber beetles are a top threat because they damage leaves and can spread bacterial wilt. Use row covers immediately after sowing until flowering, then inspect plants weekly and apply a targeted treatment (e.g., neem/pyrethrin as appropriate for your area) if beetles exceed a few per plant. If you see yellowing and sudden wilting, remove affected plants promptly to reduce spread and avoid replanting cucumbers in the same spot.

How often should I water Cucumis sativus during the main growing phase?

During active vine growth and fruiting, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–1.5 inches of water per week, split into 2–3 deeper waterings. Water at the base early in the day so leaves stay dry, and mulch to reduce moisture swings that trigger bitter fruit or blossom drop. If the top 1 inch of soil dries out, water; if it stays soggy or plants get yellow and limp, reduce frequency.

How can I tell when Cucumis sativus ‘Long Feng’ is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach their target length and are still firm and glossy, typically around 55 days from sowing. Pick frequently—about every 1–2 days during peak production—because overgrown cucumbers turn seedy and lose crispness. Use a gentle twist or snip to avoid tearing the vine.