Beit Alpha Cmr Cucumber is a modern F1 hybrid that brings together the best traits for both fresh slicing and pickling in a single, beautifully productive plant. Bred for disease resistance and reliable yields, this cucumber produces straight, medium green fruits with small black spines, reaching 5 to 8 inches long, ready to harvest in just 50 to 59 days. It thrives in warm zones 2 through 12, reaching 36 to 48 inches on the vine, and adapts equally well to garden beds, containers with support, raised beds, and even greenhouse cultivation.
18
Full Sun
Moderate
2-12
48in H x ?in W
—
High
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The Beit Alpha Cmr distinguishes itself through its dual-purpose genetics, delivering equally satisfying results whether you're slicing it fresh or pickling it whole. Its parthenocarpic tendency (ability to set fruit without pollination, though disputed by some growers) combined with its generally gynoecious flowering pattern means you get prolific female blooms when you want them most. Resistance to Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Downy Mildew, and Powdery Mildew makes it a genuinely low-maintenance choice for gardeners tired of fighting typical cucumber diseases.
This cucumber shines in both the fresh market and the pickle jar. Its compact 5 to 8 inch size makes it naturally suited to whole pickling, while its straight, uniform shape and crisp texture work beautifully for fresh slicing salads and snacking. Many home gardeners and small-scale growers choose it specifically because one planting covers both summer eating and preservation needs.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before your last expected frost date, sowing them ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix kept at 65 to 80°F. Provide bright light and keep soil consistently moist until germination. Harden off seedlings for 7 to 10 days before transplanting outdoors.
Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F or warmer. Space transplants 18 inches apart in rows 48 inches apart. Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods over 7 to 10 days before final planting.
Direct sow seeds ¼ inch deep into warm soil after the last frost date, when soil temperature is between 65 and 80°F. Sow seeds 18 inches apart in rows spaced 48 inches apart, or in clusters and thin to single plants once seedlings are established.
Begin harvesting when cucumbers reach 5 to 8 inches long, typically 50 to 59 days after planting. Pick them while the skin is still bright medium green and the cucumber feels firm; harvest every two to three days to encourage continued production. Cut or gently twist fruit from the vine rather than pulling, as rough handling damages the delicate vine and reduces future yields. Regular harvesting also prevents oversized, seedy fruit from forming.
Train vines onto sturdy trellises or support structures as they grow to improve air circulation and prevent disease. Remove any dead or diseased leaves as they appear. Pruning is generally minimal for this variety; the main goal is guiding the vines vertically rather than aggressive cutting.
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