Round Cucumber Varieties, Their Features, And Care Guides

Round cucumber varieties are a popular choice for many gardeners due to their unique shape, crisp texture, and versatility in the kitchen. Unlike traditional oblong cucumbers, these varieties are circular, perfect for slicing and adding to salads or sandwiches. They come in a range of colors, from dark green to light yellow, and have a distinct flavor that is both sweet and refreshing.

In this guide, we will explore the types of round cucumber varieties and their features and offer tips on caring for them to ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, you will find useful information to help you grow and enjoy these delicious vegetables.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a type of vine vegetable that belongs to the gourd family. They are widely cultivated and consumed worldwide and are known for their crunchy texture, refreshing taste, and versatility in the kitchen. Cucumbers come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, most common being the long and green oblong variety. However, there are also other types of cucumbers, such as round and pickling cucumbers, that offer unique flavors and textures.

Cucumbers are a great source of hydration and are packed with essential nutrients, such as vitamins C and K, potassium, and dietary fiber. They are also low in calories, making them an excellent addition to any healthy diet. This guide will focus on round cucumber varieties and provide detailed information on their features and care.

5 Round Cucumber Varieties

Here are five popular round cucumber varieties:

1. Lemon Cucumber: This variety is small and round, with a pale yellow or greenish color that resembles a lemon. It has a crisp texture and a mild, sweet flavor that is perfect for salads or pickling.
2. Crystal Apple Cucumber: As the name suggests, this cucumber variety has shiny, translucent skin that resembles an apple. It has a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, refreshing taste, making it great for snacking.
3. Suyo Long Cucumber: This cucumber variety is long and cylindrical, but it has a slight bulge in the Middle that gives it a round appearance. It has thin, tender skin and crisp, juicy flesh with a mild, sweet flavor.
4. Gherkin Cucumber: This variety is small and round, with bumpy skin ideal for pickling. It has a firm texture and a tangy, slightly sour taste, perfect for making dill pickles.
5. Armenian Cucumber: Although this variety is often long and slender, it can also have a round shape. It has thin, pale green skin and crisp, juicy flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor similar to a melon.

These round cucumber varieties offer unique flavors, textures, and shapes that can add variety and interest to your meals.

1. Lemon Cucumber

Lemon cucumbers are small, round cucumbers about the size of a lemon. They have pale yellow or greenish skin that is thin and tender, and juicy, crunchy flesh similar in texture to a regular cucumber. The flavor of a lemon cucumber is mild and slightly sweet, with a refreshing taste that makes it perfect for use in salads or as a garnish. Lemon cucumbers are also great for pickling due to their small size and firm texture.

They are easy to grow and can be harvested when they reach about 2-3 inches in diameter. Lemon cucumbers are a great source of hydration and are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.

Appearance And Usage

Lemon cucumbers are small, round cucumbers with a diameter of about 2-3 inches. They have thin, pale yellow or greenish skin covered in small bumps or warts, giving them a unique appearance that resembles a lemon. The tender skin can be eaten, but some prefer peeling it off. The flesh of a lemon cucumber is crisp and juicy, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is similar to a regular cucumber.

Lemon cucumbers can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. They are great for adding to salads or slicing into rounds as a garnish. Due to their small size and firm texture, they are also ideal for pickling. Lemon cucumbers can be canned or pickled with vinegar, salt, and spices to make a delicious and tangy snack. They are also great for eating raw, either on their own or with dips and spreads. Overall, lemon cucumbers are a versatile and delicious addition to any dish that calls for cucumbers.

Light Requirements

Like most cucumber varieties, Lemon cucumbers require plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive. They prefer full sun exposure, meaning they should be planted in a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In areas with hot summers, lemon cucumbers may benefit from some partial shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sunscald and heat stress.

If you are growing lemon cucumbers indoors, they must be placed near a window that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day. If natural light is insufficient, you can supplement with artificial grow lights to ensure your lemon cucumbers receive the light they need to grow healthy and strong.

It is important to note that insufficient light can result in stunted growth and poor fruit production. Therefore, providing your lemon cucumber plants with adequate light is crucial to ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest.

Water And Humidity

Lemon cucumbers require consistent moisture to grow and produce healthy fruit. They prefer consistently moist but well-draining soil kept evenly moist throughout the growing season. The soil should be moist but not soggy, as overly wet conditions can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

When watering lemon cucumber plants, it is important to water deeply and regularly to encourage healthy root growth. Water the plants at least once weekly or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry. It is best to water early in the morning to allow the leaves to dry before nighttime, which can help prevent fungal diseases.

Regarding humidity, lemon cucumbers prefer a moderate to the high humidity level of around 60-70%. In areas with low humidity, you can increase the humidity around the plants by misting them with water or placing a tray nearby to increase the ambient moisture level. It is important to avoid getting water on the leaves, however, as this can encourage the growth of fungal diseases.

Consistent moisture is key to growing healthy and productive lemon cucumber plants. Keep the soil evenly moist, avoid waterlogging, and take steps to maintain a moderate to high humidity level for the best results.

Temperature

Lemon cucumbers thrive in warm weather and require warm soil and air temperature to grow and produce fruit. They are sensitive to frost and should be planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. The ideal soil temperature for planting lemon cucumber seeds is around 70°F (21°C).

During the growing season, lemon cucumber plants prefer warm daytime temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and nighttime temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). In hotter climates, lemon cucumbers may benefit from afternoon shade to prevent sunscald and heat stress.

If the temperature drops below 55°F (13°C), lemon cucumbers may experience stunted growth and reduced fruit production. In these cases, it is important to protect the plants with a frost blanket or row cover to maintain a warm microclimate around the plants.

In summary, lemon cucumbers require warm soil and air temperatures to grow and produce healthy fruit. Keep the soil warm, provide ample sunlight and moderate temperatures, and protect the plants from cold temperatures to ensure a successful harvest.

Soil And Fertilizer

Lemon cucumbers prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for growing lemon cucumbers is between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, it is recommended to amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil structure and nutrient content.

When fertilizing lemon cucumber plants, it is important to provide them with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is essential for leaf and stems growth, while phosphorus and potassium are important for root development, flower production, and fruit formation.

You can apply a slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting and then again mid-season to provide your lemon cucumber plants with the nutrients they need to grow and produce healthy fruit. Alternatively, you can use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season.

In addition to regular fertilization, it is important to monitor the soil moisture levels and adjust the fertilizer application accordingly. Over-fertilizing can result in excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production, while under-fertilizing can result in stunted growth and poor fruit quality.

Overall, providing your lemon cucumber plants with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and regular applications of balanced fertilizer can help ensure a successful harvest.

Transplantation

Lemon cucumbers can be started from seed indoors or directly sown outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. If starting from seed indoors, planting the seeds 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area is recommended. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or containers.

When transplanting lemon cucumber seedlings, it is important to handle them carefully to avoid damaging the roots. Be careful not to touch the delicate stem, loosen the soil around the roots and lift the seedling by the leaves or stem. Plant the seedlings in well-draining soil that has been amended with compost or well-rotted manure.

After transplanting, keeping the soil evenly moist is important and providing the plants with plenty of light to encourage healthy growth. It is also recommended to use a starter fertilizer to give the young plants a boost.

If transplanting directly outdoors, wait until the soil has warmed to around 70°F (21°C) before planting the seedlings. Space the plants 2-3 feet apart in 5-6 feet rows to allow for adequate airflow and sunlight.

In summary, lemon cucumber seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or containers after their first true leaves are developed. When transplanting, handle the seedlings gently, plant them in well-draining soil, and keep the soil evenly moist. Wait until the soil has warmed up before transplanting directly outdoors, and space the plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for adequate airflow and sunlight.

2. Crystal Apple Cucumber:

Crystal Apple Cucumber, also known as Mexican Sour Gherkin, is a unique and small cucumber variety that resembles a miniature watermelon. Here are some features and care guides for this cucumber variety:

Features:

• Crystal Apple Cucumbers are small, round cucumbers that grow about the size of a grape or cherry tomato.
• They have a sweet and tangy flavor and are often used in salads or as a snack.
• The skin of the Crystal Apple Cucumber is thin and delicate, so they are typically eaten whole.
• This cucumber variety is heat-tolerant and can withstand high temperatures and dry conditions better than others.

Care Guides:

Light Requirements:

Crystal Apple Cucumbers require full sun to grow and produce fruit. Plant them in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Water and Humidity:

Crystal Apple Cucumbers need consistent moisture to grow and produce healthy fruit. Water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, to moisten the soil. Be sure to water the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Temperature:

Crystal Apple Cucumbers prefer warm temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) during the day and 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night. They can tolerate higher temperatures and drier conditions better than other cucumber varieties.

Soil and Fertilizer:

Crystal Apple Cucumbers prefer well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, incorporate compost, aged manure, or other organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and soil structure.

Fertilize Crystal Apple Cucumbers regularly throughout the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

Transplantation:

Crystal Apple Cucumbers can be started from seeds indoors or planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C). When transplanting, gently handle the seedlings, plant them at the same depth as they were in the original pot, and provide shade or protection from the sun for the first few days.

In summary, Crystal Apple Cucumbers are a unique and small variety that requires full sun, consistent moisture, warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and regular fertilization to grow and produce healthy fruit. They can be started from seeds indoors or planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

3. Suyo Long Cucumber:

Suyo Long Cucumber is an Asian Cucumber known for its long, slender shape and crisp, sweet flavor. Here are some features and care guides for this cucumber variety:

Features:

• Suyo Long Cucumbers can grow up to 18 inches long but are best harvested when about 12 inches long.
• They have thin, tender skin that does not require peeling, making them a popular choice for salads and pickling.
• Suyo Long Cucumbers are resistant to many cucumber diseases, making them a good choice for organic gardeners.
• This cucumber variety is heat-tolerant and can withstand high temperatures and dry conditions better than others.

Care Guides:

Light Requirements:

Suyo Long Cucumbers require full sun to grow and produce fruit. Plant them in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Water and Humidity:

Suyo Long Cucumbers need consistent moisture to grow and produce healthy fruit. Water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, to moisten the soil. Be sure to water the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Temperature:

Suyo Long Cucumbers prefer warm temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) during the day and 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night. They can tolerate higher temperatures and drier conditions better than many other cucumber varieties.

Soil and Fertilizer:

Suyo Long Cucumbers prefer well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, incorporate compost, aged manure, or other organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and soil structure.

Fertilize Suyo Long Cucumbers regularly throughout the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

Transplantation:

Suyo Long Cucumbers can be started from seeds indoors or planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C). When transplanting, gently handle the seedlings, plant them at the same depth as they were in the original pot, and provide shade or protection from the sun for the first few days.

In summary, Suyo Long Cucumbers are a type of Asian Cucumber known for their long, slender shape and crisp, sweet flavor. They require full sun, consistent moisture, warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and regular fertilization to grow and produce healthy fruit. They can be started from seeds indoors or planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

4. Gherkin Cucumber:

Gherkin cucumbers, also known as West Indian gherkins or burr cucumbers, are a small cucumber variety that is typically pickled and used in dishes such as sandwiches, salads, and relishes. Here are some features and care guides for this cucumber variety:

Features:

• Gherkin cucumbers are small, oval-shaped ones that typically grow to be about 1-3 inches long.
• They have a slightly prickly exterior and a firm, crunchy texture.
• Gherkin cucumbers are often used for pickling because of their small size and strong flavor concentration.
• This cucumber variety is heat-tolerant and can withstand high temperatures and dry conditions better than others.

Care Guides:

Light Requirements:

Gherkin cucumbers require full sun to grow and produce fruit. Plant them in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Water and Humidity:

Gherkin cucumbers need consistent moisture to grow and produce healthy fruit. Water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, to moisten the soil. Be sure to water the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Temperature:

Gherkin cucumbers prefer warm temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) during the day and 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night. They can tolerate higher temperatures and drier conditions better than other cucumber varieties.

Soil and Fertilizer:

Gherkin cucumbers prefer well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, incorporate compost, aged manure, or other organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and soil structure.

Fertilize Gherkin cucumbers regularly throughout the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

Transplantation:

Gherkin cucumbers can be started from seeds indoors or planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C). When transplanting, gently handle the seedlings, plant them at the same depth as they were in the original pot, and provide shade or protection from the sun for the first few days.

In summary, Gherkin cucumbers are a small variety that requires full sun, consistent moisture, warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and regular fertilization to grow and produce healthy fruit. They can be started from seeds indoors or planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Gherkin cucumbers are often used for pickling due to their small size and strong flavor concentration.

5. Armenian Cucumber

Armenian cucumbers, also known as snake melons or yard-long cucumbers, are a unique cucumber variety that is a type of melon. Here are some features and care guides for this cucumber variety:

Features:

• Armenian cucumbers are long, slender and can grow up to 2-3 feet in length.
• They have a pale green color and thin, slightly waxy skin.
• Armenian cucumbers have a mild, sweet flavor and a crisp, juicy texture.
• Unlike most cucumber varieties, Armenian cucumbers can be eaten fresh or cooked and are often used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Care Guides:

Light Requirements:

Armenian cucumbers require full sun to grow and produce fruit. Plant them in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Water and Humidity:

Armenian cucumbers need consistent moisture to grow and produce healthy fruit. Water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, to moisten the soil. Be sure to water the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Temperature:

Armenian cucumbers prefer warm temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) during the day and 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night. They can be sensitive to frost and should be protected if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Soil and Fertilizer:

Armenian cucumbers prefer well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, incorporate compost, aged manure, or other organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and soil structure.

Fertilize Armenian cucumbers regularly throughout the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Apply fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

Transplantation:

Armenian cucumbers can be started from seeds indoors or planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C). When transplanting, gently handle the seedlings, plant them at the same depth as they were in the original pot, and provide shade or protection from the sun for the first few days.

In summary, Armenian cucumbers are a unique cucumber variety that requires full sun, consistent moisture, warm temperatures, well-draining soil, and regular fertilization to grow and produce healthy fruit. They can be started from seeds indoors or planted directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Armenian cucumbers have a mild, sweet flavor and a crisp, juicy texture and can be eaten fresh or cooked.

Why Are These Cucumbers Round And Not Long?

Round cucumbers, like lemon and crystal apple, are heirloom varieties bred for their unique shape and flavor. While most cucumbers are long and cylindrical, round cucumbers offer different shapes and textures that can appeal to certain recipes or culinary purposes.

For example, lemon cucumbers have a round shape and a slightly sweet, citrus-like flavor, making them popular for fresh eating or pickling. Crystal apple cucumbers are round and have a crisp, juicy texture well-suited for salads or sandwiches.

In addition to their unique taste and texture, round cucumbers can be easier to harvest and store than their long, skinny counterparts. Their shape can make them less prone to bending or breaking during transport, and their compact size can make them more practical for smaller gardens or urban farming.

While long, cylindrical cucumbers remain the most common variety, round cucumbers offer a fun and flavorful alternative that can add variety and interest to your garden and kitchen.

How Many Calories Are In A Round Cucumber?

The number of calories in a round cucumber can vary depending on its size and the specific variety. However, cucumbers are generally known for being low in calories and water content, making them a healthy and refreshing snack.

For example, a medium-sized lemon cucumber (about 2-2.5 inches in diameter) typically contains around 20-25 calories. A medium-sized crystal apple cucumber (about 2.5-3 inches in diameter) may contain slightly more, around 30-35 calories.

It’s worth noting that cucumbers are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, and are often enjoyed for their refreshing taste and hydrating properties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, round cucumbers such as Lemon Cucumber, Crystal Apple Cucumber, Gherkin Cucumber, Suyo Long Cucumber, and Armenian Cucumber are unique varieties that offer a range of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. These cucumbers are generally low in calories and water content, making them a healthy snack. They also offer a fun alternative to traditional long, cylindrical cucumbers.

They can be an interesting addition to a vegetable garden or a refreshing addition to a summer salad. To successfully grow round cucumbers, it is important to pay attention to their specific care requirements, including light, water, temperature, and soil and fertilization requirements. With proper care, these cucumbers can thrive and provide a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.