VegetableCucumber
Tokiwa Cucumber
Tokiwa Cucumber is a remarkable Japanese heirloom that took Tokyo by storm in the 1930s and has been winning over gardeners ever since. This uniform, dark green variety produces exceptionally long, slender fruits measuring 1.5 inches in diameter and 9-10 inches long, with tender skin and sweet, refreshing flavor that won't turn bitter even in high heat. Originally from China, Tokiwa thrives in zones 2-13 and matures in about 60 days (though some sources report 50-75 days). The vigorous vines can spread up to 72 inches wide while maintaining a compact 12-inch height, making them perfect for trellis climbing.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Growth Stats
12 in
Height
72 in
Width
TypeVining
Spacing
18
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-13
Size
12in H x 72in W
Growth
—
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What sets Tokiwa apart is its remarkable heat tolerance and ability to maintain excellent flavor and texture even when grown large, a rare quality among cucumbers. The long, vigorous vines are natural climbers that produce abundant harvests of uniform, dark green fruits with buttery soft texture. This variety's resilience against bitterness, combined with its historical significance as a Tokyo favorite from the 1930s, makes it both a reliable performer and a connection to Japanese gardening heritage.
Common Uses
Tokiwa cucumbers excel in fresh salads where their buttery soft texture and sweet flavor shine, and they're particularly prized for making tsukemono, the traditional Japanese pickled vegetables. Their tender skin and refreshing taste make them ideal for slicing fresh, while their resistance to bitterness ensures consistent quality whether harvested young or allowed to grow to full size.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost date. Plant in warm soil and maintain consistent moisture until transplant time.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space plants 18 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds in late spring or early summer after the last frost date has passed, spacing seeds 4 inches apart initially.
Harvesting
Harvest when fruits are at least 8 inches long, very green, and firm to the touch. The recommended harvest size is 1.5 inches in diameter and 9-10 inches long. Pick fruits while they're green with smooth skin, before they become shiny and yellow. Harvest frequently to maintain continuous production throughout the season.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Cucumis sativus var. tokiwa
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Genus
Cucumis
Growth Habit
Vining
Native Status
L48 (I)HI (I)PR (I)CAN (W)
History & Origin
“Tokiwa Cucumber originated in China before making its way to Japan, where it became extremely popular in Tokyo during the 1930s. The variety earned its reputation for producing long vines with excellent fruit production and has maintained its positive standing among gardeners ever since. Today, this heirloom is part of the Shumei Natural Agriculture Collection, grown by members of the global Shumei community who practice Natural Agriculture methods and share their seeds to preserve this treasured variety.”