Crystal Apple

Cucumber

Zone 13a Save Garden

🌱 65d to harvest Vine

Cool, crisp, and crystal-clear in every bite, Crystal Apple cucumber delivers a refreshing snap with a delicately sweet, clean fl…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 25th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 8th
Harvest Begins	Mar 14th
Harvest Ends	—

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	65
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

Peaches and Cream Corn

Frequently Asked Questions

Crystal Apple (Cucumis sativus) — what pest is most likely and how do I stop it?

Look for cucumber beetles (yellow/black striped or spotted) that chew leaves and spread bacterial wilt. Cover seedlings with insect netting immediately after germination, then keep plants weed-free and inspect weekly; remove and destroy heavily infested plants early. If needed, spot-treat with an insecticidal soap when beetles first appear (avoid spraying during peak pollinator activity).

How often should I water Crystal Apple during peak growth (after vines start running)?

Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy: water deeply when the top 1 inch feels dry, which is often every 2–3 days in warm weather. Use drip irrigation or water at the base to prevent foliar wetness, since cucumbers quickly develop leaf diseases when leaves stay damp. Mulch around the roots helps maintain consistent moisture and supports steady fruit filling.

How can I tell when Crystal Apple cucumbers are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are about 4–6 inches long (check the label for exact size) and still feel firm with a fresh, matte look rather than glossy and swollen. Pick every 1–2 days once they start, because delaying harvest reduces new fruit set and can make cucumbers taste more bitter. Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the fruit off the vine to avoid tearing stems.

Cool, crisp, and crystal-clear in every bite, Crystal Apple cucumber delivers a refreshing snap with a delicately sweet, clean flavor. The fruit forms a compact, blocky silhouette with a smooth, glossy skin and a tender interior that stays pleasantly crisp at slicing size. Ideal for fresh garden use, it shines in bright salads and quick pickling-style preparations where its crisp texture and mild sweetness are prized.

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

Grow in warm soil and protect young vines from cool nights; use trellising to keep fruit off the ground and improve air flow.