Cucumber
qissua H7180, also miqsa H4750
Cucumis sativus
Cucurbitaceae, Gourd Family
Daughter Zion is left…like a hut in a cucumber field
Isaiah 1:8
Find cucumbers in the NIV God’s Word for Gardeners Bible near Isaiah 1:2-20 & as part of the Garden Work theme of Cultivating, page a-26 & a-27
We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic
Numbers 11:5
Cultural Information
| Type | Edible Vine, Edible Annual |
| Height | 4 - 6 feet |
| Soil | variety of soils, provide good drainage |
| Exposure | full sun |
| Leaves | deep green, broad, triangular, lobed, spiny hairs |
| Flowers | bright yellow, star-shaped with nectar tube, clustered, flowers bloom summer through early fall |
| Fruit | dark green, oblong, smooth or bumpy skin depending on variety, watery flesh, fruits elongate quickly, from 4 to 10" plus |
Planting Tips
- plant along fence or trellis and secure vine as it grows
- by training vine vertically, fruits will grow with even color and form
- pick first cucumbers early to promote more fruiting
- check vines frequently, new fruits will surprise you!
- morning water blasts from the hose can help keep pests at bay
- fertilize regularly to promote fruiting and plant health
- vines may wilt a bit in the afternoon sun - watch them to see if they recover once the sun has gone down. If so, you know your watering is ample - keep the soil moist but not soaking wet
- plant flowers near your vines to help attract pollinatorss
- your vines' showy yellow flowers will be as vibrant as the warm, green leaves
Garden to Table
- add fresh cucumber slices to all kinds of sandwiches as well as salads
- for a simple, tasty snack, alternate cucumber slices with Swiss cheese slices or dip cucumbers in humus
- add cucumber slices to ice water for a refreshing drink
- try making refrigerator pickles - delicious and easy!
More Research
See Blog Posts on CucumberPrayer: O Lord, may cucumbers remind me of your refreshment — you will wash me and lead me away from meaningless gestures into restoring worship of you (Isaiah 1:13 – 17).
-from the NIV God's Word for Gardeners Bible
We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic
Numbers 11:5
Photo Credits
©Gresei ǀ Dreamstime.com market cucumbers with faded flowers still attached
©Shelley S. Cramm cucumbers trellised in a Texas garden
©Shelley S. Cramm cucumber fruits forming from cheery yellow flowers
