An all female flowered ‘American slicer’ that is ideal for both outdoor and greenhouse growing. Cucumber ‘Swing’ produces a heavy crop of slightly spined, dark green cucumbers up to 20cm (8″) long, with a crisp, juicy flesh. An ideal variety for organic gardeners with excellent powdery mildew, scab and general weather resistance. Height: 3m (9′). Spread: 45cm (18″).

Sowing

Greenhouse cucumbers must be grown in a warm, humid greenhouse with a minimum temperature of 15C (60F). Outdoor (Ridge) types are suitable for growing outside. Some varieties may be suited to indoor and outdoor cultivation.

Sow Cucumber seeds from early March to April for indoor cropping and for transplanting outdoors later on. Outdoor varieties may also be direct sown outdoors from May to June. Sow cucumber seed on their sides at a depth of 1cm (1/2") in 7.5cm (3") pots of free-draining, seed sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 20C (68F) until germination which takes 7-10 days. Protect the emerging seedlings from direct sunlight to avoid scorching. Grow Cucumber plants on until they are large enough to be transplanted. Maintain a minimum temperature of 15c (60F) and keep the compost moist but not wet.

When cucumber plants are well grown, transplant them at a spacing of 2 plants per growbag or 45cm (18") apart in a warm, humid greenhouse. Outdoor varieties should be gradually acclimatised to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting into warm, well drained, humus rich soil in full sun, with shelter from winds. Plant outdoor cucumbers in single rows at a distance of 90cm (36") apart. Water well after planting until cucumber plants are fully established.