Cucumis sativus 'Femspot'
cucumber 'Femspot'
A productive variety of cucumber, growing to 3m (10ft) high and producing crisp fruit, without bitterness, from 25-30cm (10-12in) long. It needs warm growing conditions to do well and so is best suited to growing in the greenhouse or conservatory in the UK. It is an all female variety, capable of producing fruit without the flowers being pollinated, which means every flower is capable of producing fruits.
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Green | Green | |
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Pets: Bitter fruit can be TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Cucumis is a genus of twining plants with tendrils which includes cucumber, melons and gerkins. Around 30 species are native to Africa and 25 to India, Southeast Asia and Australia.
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in an acidic to neutral, moisture-retentive, well drained compost and a position in full sun, in the warmth of a conservatory or greenhouse. This is an all female variety and does not need male flowers to set fruit. See cucumber cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Edible fruit
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
pinch out tips of leading stems once they have reached the top of thee trellis or growing support. Laterals should be pruned two leaves beyond where a fruit is developing to divert the plant's energy into the development of the fruit, rather than into the lateral's vegetative growth
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
May be susceptible to Cucumber mosaic virus and powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.