Cucumber - China Jade

Minimum Seed Count: 20

If you're looking for a cucumber that combines exceptional flavor, crisp texture, and impressive productivity, China Jade is a variety worth growing. This heirloom cucumber produces long, slender fruits with smooth green skin and a refreshing, sweet taste. Unlike many cucumbers that can become bitter in hot weather, China Jade is known for maintaining excellent flavor throughout the growing season. Its tender skin and crunchy flesh make it perfect for fresh eating, salads, sandwiches, and slicing straight from the garden.

Plant Details

• Species: Cucumis sativus
• Plant Type: Annual vining cucumber
• Days to Maturity: 55–65 days
• Fruit Length: 10–16 inches
• Fruit Color: Deep green
• Growth Habit: Vigorous climbing or sprawling vines

Growing Guide

Starting Seeds

• Direct sow outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 70°F.
• In cooler climates, seeds can be started indoors 2–3 weeks before transplanting.
• Plant seeds ½–1 inch deep.

Planting

• Choose a location with full sun.
• Space plants 12–18 inches apart.
• Provide a trellis for straighter fruits and easier harvesting.
• Plant in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Growing Conditions

• Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)
• Rich, well-drained soil
• Consistent watering throughout the growing season
• Mulch to help conserve moisture and reduce weeds

Care

• Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot weather.
• Fertilize when plants begin vining and again during heavy production.
• Harvest frequently to encourage continuous fruit set.
• Trellising improves airflow and helps keep fruits clean.

Harvesting

• Harvest fruits when they reach 10–16 inches long and are still tender.
• Regular picking encourages higher yields.
• Best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness and flavor.

History

China Jade is an heirloom cucumber with roots in traditional Asian agriculture, where long, slender cucumbers have been cultivated for generations for their refreshing flavor and versatility in the kitchen. The variety became popular among gardeners for its reliable production, excellent eating quality, and ability to produce long, attractive fruits throughout the summer.