Long cucumbers, often referred to as English cucumbers, are a popular choice in greenhouse cultivation due to their high yield potential and consumer preference for their mild flavor and nearly seedless flesh. Under optimal greenhouse conditions, annual yields can reach up to 200 kg/m² (41 lbs/sq.ft.), depending on plant density and the number of growing cycles per year. Individual fruits typically measure 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) in length and weigh between 300–400 grams (10.6–14.1 oz). These cucumbers thrive in controlled environments with temperatures maintained between 18–25°C (64–77°F) and relative humidity levels around 95%. Maintaining a vapor pressure deficit (VPD) between 0.4 and 0.8 minimizes condensation and promotes active transpiration, essential for optimal growth. The Brix values for long cucumbers range from 2.2% to 5.4%, indicating a subtle sweetness that appeals to consumers. Their uniform appearance and extended shelf life make them a staple in both retail and food service markets.
Long Cucumbers
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Nutrient Profile of Greenhouse-Grown Long Cucumbers
Greenhouse-grown long cucumbers are cultivated without pesticides and harvested at peak hydration and crunch. Their rapid delivery and minimal handling help preserve nutrients like potassium and vitamin K, resulting in a clean, refreshing crop with extended shelf life.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size 100g
|
Amount Per Serving |
15 |
|
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 0.1g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | 0% | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | |
| Sodium 2mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 3.6g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber 0.5g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars 1.7g | ||
| Protein 0.6g | 1% | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium 16mg | 1% | |
| Iron 0.3mg | 1% | |
| Potassium 147mg | 3% | |
| Vitamin A 105 IU | 2% | |
| Vitamin C 2.8mg | 3% | |
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Genetics Varieties & Breeding Companies
Modern greenhouse crops are the result of advanced breeding, combining traits like high yield, pest and disease resistance, uniformity, and quality characteristics such as taste, firmness, and shelf life. Below are top-performing varieties from leading seed suppliers and breeding companies. While traits like Brix and fruit weight vary with climate, substrate, and grower technique, these genetics offer a strong foundation for high-performance greenhouse production. Always consult the supplier when selecting varieties.
Long Cucumber Varieties
| Variety | Supplier | Fruit Length | Weight | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi Jack RZ | Rijk Zwaan | 33–35 cm | 350g+ / 12oz+ | High yield, powdery mildew resistance, long shelf life |
| Cezar | Enza | 33 cm | 320g+ / 11oz+ | Short internodes, strong summer performance |
| DRA 8038 | Bayer | 32–34 cm | 330g+ / 11.6oz+ | Balanced growth, ToLCNDV resistance, strong skin |
| Axcellent | Axia Seeds | 34 cm | 340g+ / 12oz+ | Firm texture, uniform fruits, suitable for export |
| Giannis | Syngenta | 30–32 cm | 310g+ / 10.9oz+ | Vigorous plant, good under high light and heat |
⚠️ Note: Fruit weight and size may vary depending on climate, plant density, and pruning strategy. Always validate compatibility with your greenhouse system and market needs.
Crop Requirements
Understanding the growing conditions of long cucumbers is essential to planning a greenhouse that performs. Below you'll find the core climate, lighting, and packaging guidelines for long cucumbers — based on what works in modern, high-performance GrowPro systems.
Temperature
- Optimal 24-hour average: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
- Minimum temperature: 18°C (64°F)
- Maximum temperature: 30°C (86°F)
- Temperature sensitivity: ●●●●○ (High)
Lighting
- Optimal DLI: 25–30 mol/m²/day
- Light sensitivity: ●●●◐○ (Moderate)
- Supplemental lighting options: LED or HPS top-lighting, commonly combined with vertical interlighting (80–200 µmol/m²/s)
Humidity
- Target relative humidity: 65–75%
- Humidity sensitivity: ●●●◐○ (Moderate)
Packaging Options
- To Consumers: Flow-wrapped single cucumbers, shrink film
- To Farm Shops: Loose in trays or boxes, labeled sleeves
- To Restaurants: Bulk trays, RPC crates
Cultivation Method – Greenhouse-Grown Long Cucumbers
Long cucumbers are cultivated hydroponically in high-tech greenhouses using vertical high-wire systems. This cultivation method ensures straight fruits, uniform length, and high yields year-round. Dutch Greenhouses provides controlled climate and irrigation solutions tailored to long cucumber cultivation, optimizing water use and minimizing disease pressure. See structured data below for detailed long cucumber growing parameters.
Cultivation Method – Greenhouse-Grown Long Cucumbers
Long cucumbers are cultivated hydroponically in high-tech greenhouses using vertical high-wire systems. This cultivation method ensures straight fruits, uniform length, and high yields year-round. Dutch Greenhouses provides controlled climate and irrigation solutions tailored to long cucumber cultivation, optimizing water use and minimizing disease pressure. See structured data below for detailed long cucumber growing parameters.
Long Cucumbers: Standardized Systems with Built-in Support
Greenhouse Models
All Long Cucumber crops are supported by GrowPro’s pre-engineered greenhouse models. Whether starting with a compact footprint or scaling toward high-volume production, our Expert and Plus Series offer the structural layout, labor efficiency, and ventilation needed for high-turnover cucumber crops.
Technology ↔ Crop
Long Cucumbers are grown on high-wire hanging gutter systems — a proven setup for maximizing airflow, light exposure, and continuous fruiting. GrowPro integrates this professional-grade method into modular greenhouses, making it accessible without compromising on crop output or control.
Guided Growing
GrowPro’s Guided Growing program brings together AI insights, grower support, and crop-specific training to help teams run efficient cucumber production — from setup to harvest. Whether you're just getting started or expanding into new regions, we help you grow with confidence.
FAQ: Growing Long Cucumbers in Greenhouses
In a standardized GrowPro setup, growers can expect 220–250 fruits/m² per year, translating to around 80–90 tons per hectare annually under optimized climate and irrigation.
Long cucumbers are fast. The first harvest typically begins 4–5 weeks after transplanting, with new fruits ready every few days throughout the cycle.
Most greenhouses use a density of 1.6–2.0 plants per m², depending on whether a single or double stem system is applied.
They’re grown on vertical high-wire trellising, allowing one main stem to grow upward with frequent fruit development. This system supports airflow, labor access, and efficient harvesting.
Each cucumber measures 30–35 cm and weighs around 300–400 grams, depending on the variety and climate control.
Ideal day temperatures range from 22–28°C (72–82°F), with CO₂ levels at 800–1000 ppm. Humidity must be carefully managed to prevent tip burn and fungal diseases.
Labor intensity is moderate to high, with tasks including daily harvesting, pruning, tendril removal, and stem guidance. The short harvest interval requires a tight operational rhythm.