Ilas

Cucumber

Zone 11b Save Garden

🌱 55d to harvest Vine

Cool, crisp, and vividly refreshing—Ilas Beit Alpha Cucumber delivers a clean snap with a bright, subtly sweet flavor that linger…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 18th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Feb 25th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

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)	12

Recommended Companions

Whirlybird Series Nasturtium

Hickory King Corn

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Cucumis sativus (cucumber), and how do I manage it at home?

Cucumber beetles and powdery mildew are common issues for Cucumis sativus. Use yellow sticky traps plus row cover after sowing to reduce beetle feeding, then remove the cover once flowering begins; for powdery mildew, water at the base (not the leaves) and spray a labeled potassium bicarbonate or sulfur product as soon as white patches appear and repeat per label instructions.

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

During active fruiting (roughly mid-season through harvest), keep soil consistently evenly moist—typically about 1–2 inches of water per week, adjusted for heat and mulch. Water deeply 1–2 times per week rather than daily sprinkles, and avoid wetting foliage because cucumber roots need moisture stability while the leaves stay dry to reduce mildew.

How can I tell when my Cucumis sativus is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits reach the mature size for your plants (often within about 55 days from sowing) and before they become oversized or seedy. Look for firm cucumbers with a fresh, bright green color, and check daily once plants start producing—overgrown fruits slow new flowering and can turn bitter.

Cool, crisp, and vividly refreshing—Ilas Beit Alpha Cucumber delivers a clean snap with a bright, subtly sweet flavor that lingers on the palate. At maturity, the fruit forms an elegant, medium-long shape with a tender skin and a juicy, well-balanced bite that shines in fresh salads and quick pickling. Grow Ilas for dependable, garden-to-table crunch—ideal when you want cucumbers that stay crisp and flavorful from harvest to jar.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 12 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For cucumbers, prioritize warm soil and consistent moisture—cover or wait for steady warmth to prevent slow growth.