Snake Cucumber Arola [Cucumis sativus]

The cucumber 'Arola' is an old annual mixed flowering snake cucumber and fruit vegetable that originates from Germany. The variety is well suited for cultivation in greenhouses and for outdoor cultivation in subtropical climates. The plants develop long, slightly spiny, medium to dark green fruits, with a stronger skin than usual snake cucumbers. The very robust variety is resistant to pests and diseases and can be harvested until autumn. The cucumber Arola offers a real cucumber taste experience! Can be eaten with the peel on.

General information
Plant family: Cucurbitaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 90 days
Plant height approx.: 350 cm
Root type: Deep and shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Heavy eater
Water requirements: High
Winter hardiness: Up to 5 °C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, moist, slightly loamy, humus

pH value: 5.5 to 6.5

Sowing and planting information
Germ type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-3 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-24 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 50x100 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Beans, Dill, Garlic, Cabbage, Corn, Pepper, Lettuce, Celery, Spinach, Onions, Peas, Beets, Leeks, Basil, Cumin
Unfavorable mixed culture: Radish, Horseradish, Zucchini, Tomato, Eggplant, Physalis, Potato

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from March at an ambient temperature of at least 15°C. We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from February to September.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow in mid-May directly after the Ice Saints in frost-free open ground. We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from March to June.

General
The best time to germinate cucumbers is when the average night temperature is 10-15°C. We always recommend pre-cultivation by sowing the seeds directly in small pots and allowing the seedlings to grow to the third cucumber leaves, then planting them in the desired bed.
Cucumbers prefer a partially shaded location in subtropical climates and a sunny location in temperate climates, with sufficient water and nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil. Prepare the soil for cucumbers with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
Cucumber plants are generally cultivated with 2 or 3 shoots. Since the fruits are mainly formed on the side shoots, do not pinch them out, but only cut them after fruiting. Later, raise the side shoots uncut. A scaffold for tying up the cucumber shoots is recommended. Adequate and consistent watering is necessary and has a positive effect on fruit quality. At temperatures below 10°C the plant reduces its growth. A regular harvest promotes yield. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds.

Plant care
The bed in which cucumbers grow should never dry out completely; regular watering is necessary to keep the growth of the plants stable. Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer.

Germination ability of seeds: 6-8 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Cucumis sativus
English names: Cucumber
German names: Gurke, Gurkerl
Portuguese names: Pepino
Spanish names: Pepino
French names: Concombre