Painted Serpent

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

Plant heat-loving cucumbers only when weather is warm and night temperatures stay above 50°F(10°C). Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds, 1 inch deep and 18 inches apart. When the baby seedlings are 2 inches long, thin out extras, leaving one strong seedling per group.

After thinning, provide a 3 to 5 foot strong vertical support or individual tomato cage around each seedling and train the vines up the supports as they grow. Growing vines up supports or in cages makes fruits easier to harvest, saves space, and promotes good air circulation.

GROWING NOTES

Protect seedlings from marauding birds with plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Shallow-rooted cucumbers need adequate and consistent moisture to produce sweet tasting, nicely formed fruits. Avoid overly wet or dry periods for good quality fruits.

HARVEST AND USE

This heirloom is heavy-yielding and can take both heat and humidity. For best quality, pick at 10 to 12 inches long before seeds get large. Cut rather than pull fruits from vines.

Painted Serpent cukes need no peeling; just slice thinly to show off their decorative edges, and enjoy in salads. Or cut in 2 inch pieces, halve, and scoop out flesh to make little scalloped cups to fill with tabouli, couscous or tuna, chicken or shrimp salad.