Description

Cucumber ‘BeIt Alpha’ is a Lebanese-type climbing cucumber, will need support. Usually about fifteen cucumber per vine. Succession sow for an extended harvest. Sweet fruits, best pick 10-15 cm long.Cucumbers prefer soil to be consistently moist, not overly wet. Ensure soil is fertile and free-draining. Cucumbers are gross feeders so apply a liquid organic feed every two weeks.Some cucumbers are susceptible to fungal problems. Where possible, avoid overhead watering (rain is, of course, unavoidable) and, when the vine is bigger, remove leaves that are closer than 30cm to the soil. Space plants further apart than necessary if humidity is very high in your microclimate.HARVESTING SEEDSAllow some fruits to stay on the vine until they become yellow and soft. These fruit may need protection from birds. Collect the soft fruit, cut It open and remove the seeds and flesh. Place in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, cover with water, and shake vigorously. Allow the seed to ferment 24-48 hours.Drain through a sieve. Most of the flesh should have separated from the seed. If not, wash in cold water until the seed is clean. Spread the seeds to dry on a cotton cloth, such as unbleached calico, or paper towel. Place in a dry, cool, airy spot out of direct sunlight. Keep an eye on them to ensure that the seed is not becoming mouldy.When the seed is completely dry, that is, you cannot dent It with a fingernail, store and label.