Finding the Long Dark Armenian Cucumber

As cucumber varieties are selected or mix with other cucumber varieties they often change, based on either a specific goal in the mind of the grower or not. For years I have been searching for seed of the Long Dark Armenian cucumber.

Cucumbers Sprouting in Late July

Cucumber seedlings, Late July

Dark Armenian Cucumber with first True Leaves

Dark Armenian Cucumber with second set of true leaves

When I initially saw this variety I contacted the seed company whose growers inadvertently crossed a Painted Serpent with a Dark Armenian cucumber.Perhaps because said company has catalogues that say “Pure Seed” they would not admit that any variety had been crossed, even after I pointed it out to them. Instead, they continued to grow and sell this new long dark Armenian hybrid without selecting for specific traits - such as uniform length or plant size. 

Dark Armenian Cucumber beginning to grow vines

Dark Armenian Cucumber beginning to produce male blossoms

So, in order to try to get this specific variety, I began contacting growers who had posted pictures of them until I could find one who happened to have a few seeds left. I am grateful that I did, because I soon discovered that said seed company’s 2014 seed packets would produce more off-types than ever.

On this morning there was dew on the leaves of the growing vines.

Another picture of the dew on some cucumber leaves.

The dew on the leaves was very pretty

Another view of the leaves with the dew.

Female blossoms are often hiding behind the cucumber leaves.

Backing up a little, it helps to know what a medium dark Armenian (or Tortarello Barese Verde) looks like. Though a rare off-type may occur, regular Armenian cucumbers grow to be 10 to 16 inches (at the optimal consumption stage) and the plants grow an average size (around 4 x 4 feet without trellising). If the goal is tasty cucumbers, it is essential that the gardener goes out each day and checks on the plant to ensure that the cucumber does not become hardened and bloated as it prepares to make seed. The process is very similar to growing zucchini, which is tender when young but huge and rock-hard when left unattended for a few weeks.

The Dark Armenian Cucumber plants continue to grow



One of the Dark Armenian Cucumber Plants still growing

The Armenian cucumber seeds sprouted quite well after my solarization and application of EM-1 to my garden. However, after some lower leaves developed burn-like spots after a later application of EM-1 I am beginning to believe that EM-1 should be used for only the soil level down, while a bacterial-based aerobic compost tea should be trialed for the leaves of plants, such as cucumbers and tomatoes. A recent TOG speaker noted findings at the University of Arizona that suggested that aerobic compost tea contains bacteria which can decimate common garden diseases. When I save up enough money and have enough time to start brewing aerobic compost tea I’ll be sure to share my findings.

Dark Armenian Cucumber blossom

Another look at the blossom

Cucumber-Melon blossoms are beautiful

Female Dark Armenian Cucumber blossoms before and after fruit set

Dark Armenian Cucumber plant growing strong supportive vines

Because the gardener who so graciously shared her seed with me did not send me enough for my whole garden, I purchased some additional seed from the original company. The original plants grew quickly, as did the second batch – though in my frequent visits to the garden I was met with a drastic range of plant sizes and a few odd female flowers.

A cucumber setting fruit with a pretty hanging vine

The sequence from left to right of fruit set and growth (Sept. 1st)

Dark Armenian Cucumbers almost ready to pick

The Dark Armenian Cucumber - Ready to Pick - Later September

Two long, immature brother Dark Armenian Cucumbers

Here they are all grown up

This one is getting longer!

To illustrate the range of growth patterns and fruit sizes in the population I developed a case study of three of the 12 plants I grew of this rogue variety.

Case 1: Large Plant, Medium Length Cucumbers

Case 2: Small Plant, Small Cucumbers

Case 3: Medium-Large Plant, Long Cucumbers

Case 1: The longest plant is growing up into the bird netting

Case 1: First of all, some of the plants produced large plants with medium cucumbers. This can be very advantageous in long-season climates with long summers, such as here in the Southwest. The larger a plant grows, the more it is able to fend of pests, and the more fruit it will produce. My largest cucumber plant from this group grew between15-20 feet out from the root and is still growing and producing. If a cucumber plant is going to grow this big, in all directions, then the fruit can go from just fertilized to cucumber sized in less than 48 hours. It is often nice when the plant produces longer cucumbers, so the gardener or farmer does not have to go out each day to check if cucumbers need to be picked.

One of the many cucumbers from Case 1

The cucumber grows

This is the perfect size for picking and eating - Yum!

A few brothers from my huge productive plant.

The plant continues to grow over my shed and back again. (Late September)

Case 2: I really do wonder if the selection of this seed that I received this year is not partially crossed with a Mezzo Lungo di Polignano. The plants are very small and the fruit is very short. Based on the coloring and the shape of the fruit I know that this plant is not a Mezzo Lungo di Polignano but it is difficult to argue that these are some very short cucumbers. Plants that are short produce quickly, but often may not last as long as some larger plants.

Case 2: The dwarf Dark Armenian Cucumber plant with dwarf fruit

This female blossom is reminiscent of a Mezzo Lungo di Polignano

The dwarf Dark Armenian Cucumber plant beginning to set fruit

A very pretty look at the fruit set of the dwarf plant.

Another look at the dwarf plant setting fruit.

And yet another - I love seeing the fruit grow!

At this stage the plants are beautiful.

And after the long wait we have... a very small cucumber!

All grown up! - This dwarf Dark Armenian Cucumber looks quite... small!

Case 3: The goal of my trail this season was a medium-large plant with long Tortarello Barese Verde or Dark Green Armenian fruit. Though I do currently have only one (1) plant that might produce this one (1) fruit that I self-pollinated, I did have another earlier that was beginning to produce longer fruit until it was smitten by cucumber mosaic (on account of brown leaf-hoppers). Obviously, seed from this fruit would initially experience some inbreeding depression if I grew only one plant - though if all goes well I may be able to save the seed and grow out this beautiful variety in the future.

This female blossom looks like what I have been searching for!

The growing cucumber affirms my initial suspicions.

At last - The Long Dark Armenian Cucumber!

Another look - just for fun!

In comparison to the other cucumbers in the garden.

One of the longest cucumbers from the dwarf Dark Armenian Cucumber plant.

The long dwarf Dark Armenian next to the Long Dark Armenian.

From these and other past experiences I have learned the following 3 lessons:

First, should I desire to begin breeding my own Carosello or Tortarello variety for a specific trait, it may be just as well that I do it myself. Often times, well intentioned seed suppliers either choose to grow varieties too close together (leading to crossing) or do not select their plants for specific traits (leading to a wide variance). Secondly, if I find that my seed is producing all kinds of strange varieties or producing inconsistent results, it might be a good idea to find a seed supplier who selects each vegetable variety for its characteristic traits.



A few Dark Armenian Cucumbers destined for dinner!



A deliciously displayed delicacy of digestive delight!

The last thing I have learned from my experience is that it makes a real impact when one can find farmers and suppliers who know their vegetables and are able to assist the amateur in growing them successfully.

A few medium-sized Dark Armenian Cucumbers on display.