Shiofi Shiro

Family: Cucurbitaceae Vegetable

Planting Schedule

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Cool, crisp, and delicately aromatic—Shiofi Shiro Asian cucumbers deliver a clean snap with a subtly sweet, watery flavor that feels luminous from first bite to the last.

The fruit is slender and graceful, with a pale, refreshing skin and a tender interior that stays pleasantly crisp at 60 days, making it a standout for fresh enjoyment and quick pickling-style preparations. Train the vine for straight, uniform harvests and enjoy the satisfying rhythm of steady, garden-to-plate abundance.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Vine

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Shiofi Shiro Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Jun 15th	Jun 29th	Aug 28th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Jun 8th	Jun 22nd	Aug 21st – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	May 29th	Jun 12th	Aug 11th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	May 29th	Jun 12th	Aug 11th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Jun 2nd	Jun 16th	Aug 15th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	May 29th	Jun 12th	Aug 11th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	May 27th	Jun 10th	Aug 9th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	May 22nd	Jun 5th	Aug 4th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	May 18th	Jun 1st	Jul 31st – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	May 15th	May 29th	Jul 28th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	May 9th	May 23rd	Jul 22nd – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	May 4th	May 18th	Jul 17th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Apr 24th	May 8th	Jul 7th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Apr 15th	Apr 29th	Jun 28th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Apr 6th	Apr 20th	Jun 19th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Mar 20th	Apr 3rd	Jun 2nd – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Feb 23rd	Mar 9th	May 8th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	Continuous Production
Zone 10b	Continuous Production
Zone 11a	Continuous Production
Zone 11b	Continuous Production
Zone 12a	Continuous Production
Zone 12b	Continuous Production
Zone 13a	Continuous Production
Zone 13b	Continuous Production

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
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)	12

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Shiofi Shiro’s hallmark is that luminous, watery sweetness paired with a real crunch—great for preparations where you want the cucumber to stay snappy, not go soft. Choose it for fast pickling or cold, saucy dishes where its moisture and mild aroma cut through richness without losing texture.

Best Uses

thin salads dressed with rice vinegar and toasted sesame
quick “tsukemono” style pickles where the skin stays crisp
cold noodle toppings—chilled sesame sauces love this watery crunch
light, high-juice salsas and chopped garnishes for grilled proteins

Flavor Profile

cool, clean cucumber snap subtly sweet, watery flavor delicately aromatic finish tender, crisp flesh that holds its bite

Kitchen Pairings

rice vinegar toasted sesame oil garlic ginger soy sauce chili crisp

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent and treat powdery mildew on Cucumis sativus (cucumber/shiofi shiro) in my garden?

Powdery mildew shows up as a gray-white powder on the upper leaves of Cucumis sativus, usually after warm days and humid nights. Cut off and discard the earliest heavily affected leaves, then improve airflow by thinning foliage and training vines upward on a trellis. If it keeps spreading, spray an approved powdery-mildew fungicide early and repeat according to the label, and avoid wetting leaves during watering.

How often should I water Cucumis sativus during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During active vine growth and fruit set, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for evenly damp soil 1–2 inches down. Water deeply about 2–3 times per week (more often in hot, windy weather), then slow down once fruits start to mature to prevent waterlogging. Mulch around the roots to reduce surface drying and keep moisture steady, which helps prevent bitter or misshapen cucumbers.

What are the best signs that shiofi shiro cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach their expected picking size and are firm, with a glossy skin and minimal yellowing. Check daily once plants are producing: cucumbers on Cucumis sativus can turn seedy and tough quickly if left on the vine. Use a sharp knife or pruners and pick in the morning for the crispest texture.