Grow a garden filled with these abnormally long cucumbers, aptly named Armenian Yard Long, from freshly harvested Cucumis melo seeds. Armenian Yard Long, also known as Snake Melon, or Serpent Cucumber, will produce light green, almost yellow fruits that measure a couple of feet long. They are best picked at a size of around 12 inches to 18 inches in length. The Armenian Yard Long looks and tastes like a cucumber, but is technically a melon. When you slice it open, you might notice a faint cantaloupe aroma.
Armenian Yard Long is a prolific variety that performs well in hot climates. The vines grow quickly, taking up roughly 3 to 5 feet of land. You might consider providing your cucumber plants a trellis or other support to grow these vines vertically. The vining plants grow to a mature height of roughly 1 to 2 feet tall when grown without supports and produce S shaped fruits on the ground. The fruits will not bend if grown vertically. Armenian Yard Long is ready for harvesting in about 50 to 75 days.
Cucumbers taste great in salads, and most varieties are pickled as well. There are several health benefits that you may be interested in learning about, when it comes to consuming cucumbers. Some of these benefits include, reduced risk of cancer, reduced inflammation, fresher breath and benefits in weight loss.
Sowing The Seed
Cucumbers, like most vegetables, can be started indoors, or directly outdoors as well. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow 1 seed per peat pot, at a depth of 1/2″ under topsoil. Provide a small stake for newly established plants. Transplant entire pots, or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Check “Germination & Growth” for additional information on growth habits and spacing.
Growing Conditions
Cucumbers will enjoy the heat of summer, and require temperatures of at least 65F or higher. The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter and well draining as well. To increase drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water the soil daily so that the plants receive an ample amount of moisture, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause your plants to become waterlogged.
Germination & Growth
Cucumber seeds typically take anywhere between 7 to 10 days to successfully germinate. The plants will grow to a vining length of roughly 3 to 5 feet long, but can be better maintained when grown vertically, through the use of a trellis or other support. The plants can be established on hills, versus rows, sowing 4 seeds per hill, directing the vines away from one another. Space each hill about 6 feet apart. Cucumbers are a delicious additive to many fresh, garden salads and are often times enjoyed raw as well.
Harvesting Your Armenian Yard Long Cucumbers
Armenian Yard Long can be harvested in roughly 50 to 75 days. Though this variety grows to abnormally long lengths, the fruits are best picked once they are at least 12 to 18 inches long. Harvesting cucumbers before they are overly ripe is best to keep up production.
Unfortunately, cucumbers do not store very well because of their high water content. At most, they have a shelf life of about 1 week after picking. You might consider picking some for friends and family, or even neighbors to enjoy as well. You can also look into pickling varieties as well, which tend to have a better shelf life.