Suyo Long
Cucumis sativus
A sweet-flavored, ribbed fruit growing up to 15" long. Widely adapted, grows well in hot weather, and sets early. Try using this unusual-looking cucumber in salads, for bread-and-butter or mixed vegetable pickles. Excellent eating quality. Bitter-free. Trellis for straight fruits. USDA Certified Organic.
Harvest
61d
Days to harvest
Sun
White-Tailed Deer
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
8-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Suyo Long in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 cucumber →Zone Map
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Suyo Long · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May – May | June – July | June – August | September – October |
| Zone 4 | April – May | June – June | June – July | August – October |
| Zone 5 | April – April | May – June | May – July | August – September |
| Zone 6 | April – April | May – June | May – July | August – September |
| Zone 7 | March – April | May – May | May – June | July – September |
| Zone 8 | March – March | April – May | April – June | July – August |
| Zone 9 | February – February | March – April | March – May | June – July |
| Zone 10 | January – February | March – March | March – April | May – July |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: White-Tailed Deer. Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 3 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The "vegetable" is botanically a fruit– it is a pepo, a berry with a hard rind. Long and cylindrical, starting out prickly when young and smoothing out to a bumpy surface as it matures. Length and girth can vary based on cultivar and culinary purpose but grow at least 3 in long. Some varieties are bred to be seedless.
Color: Green. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Fruits are commonly eaten raw or pickled. Fresh cucumbers last in the fridge for about a week.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Suyo Long cucumbers store best in the refrigerator crisper drawer wrapped loosely in perforated plastic bags. Maintain 90-95% humidity and temperatures around 50-55°F for optimal storage – standard refrigerator temperatures are actually too cold and can cause chilling injury. Properly stored fruits last 10-14 days.
For longer preservation, slice thick rounds and quick-pickle in rice vinegar with ginger and garlic for authentic Asian-style pickles that showcase the variety's natural sweetness. The mild flavor also makes excellent fermented pickles using traditional lacto-fermentation methods.
Freezing works well for cooked applications – slice and blanch for 2 minutes, then freeze in portions for adding to stir-fries and soups. While texture becomes soft, the sweet flavor remains intact. Dehydrating creates excellent cucumber chips, though the high water content requires extended drying times of 12-18 hours at 135°F.
History & Origin
Origin: Himalaya to Northern Thailand
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Heat
- +Attracts: Bees
- +Edible: Fruits are commonly eaten raw or pickled. Fresh cucumbers last in the fridge for about a week.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Radishes
Repel cucumber beetles and squash bugs while improving soil structure
Marigolds
Deter cucumber beetles, aphids, and nematodes with their strong scent
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crops for cucumber beetles and aphids while repelling squash bugs
Beans
Fix nitrogen in soil to benefit cucumber growth and provide natural trellis support
Corn
Provides natural vertical support for climbing cucumbers and shade for roots
Sunflowers
Attract beneficial insects and provide natural trellis support for vining cucumbers
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects that prey on cucumber pests like aphids and spider mites
Lettuce
Benefits from cucumber's shade while making efficient use of garden space
Keep Apart
Aromatic Herbs
Strong herbs like sage can inhibit cucumber growth and affect flavor development
Potatoes
Compete for similar nutrients and may increase disease pressure in soil
Melons
Share similar pests and diseases, increasing infestation risk and competition for resources
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169225)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good heat tolerance and general disease resistance
Common Pests
Cucumber beetle, squash vine borer, aphids
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew