Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber
Cucumis sativus 'Tendergreen Burpless'

A gardener favorite known for its exceptionally mild, easy-to-digest fruits that won't cause the bitterness or digestive issues of traditional cucumbers. This vigorous variety produces smooth, 8-10 inch dark green fruits with tender, never-bitter skin. Tendergreen's reliable production and superior eating quality make it perfect for families who want fresh cucumbers all season long.
Harvest
62-70d
Days to harvest
Sun
White-Tailed Deer
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
8-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber in USDA Zone 7
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Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber · 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 | September – October |
| Zone 5 | April – April | May – June | May – July | August – October |
| 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 Tendergreen Burpless cucumbers store best in the refrigerator crisper drawer at 50-55°F with high humidity. Wrap individual cucumbers in paper towels and place in perforated plastic bags to maintain moisture while preventing condensation buildup. Under optimal conditions, they'll stay crisp for 7-10 days—longer than many cucumber varieties due to their thick, sturdy skin.
Avoid storing at temperatures below 45°F, which causes chilling injury and accelerated decay. Never store with ethylene-producing fruits like tomatoes or melons, which cause rapid yellowing and deterioration.
For preservation, their mild flavor and tender skin make Tendergreen excellent for refrigerator pickles—no peeling required. Quick-pickle sliced rounds in seasoned vinegar for a ready snack that lasts 2-3 weeks refrigerated. They also freeze well when diced and blanched for 2 minutes, though texture becomes softer and they're best used in cooked dishes or smoothies. The variety's low bitterness makes it ideal for fermenting into traditional dill pickles.
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
Radish
Repels cucumber beetles and squash bugs while improving soil structure
Marigold
Deters cucumber beetles, aphids, and nematodes with strong scent
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for cucumber beetles and aphids, repels squash bugs
Bean
Fixes nitrogen in soil to benefit heavy-feeding cucumbers
Corn
Provides natural trellis support and shade during hot afternoons
Sunflower
Attracts beneficial insects and provides natural support structure
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cucumber pests
Lettuce
Provides ground cover to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Keep Apart
Sage
Inhibits cucumber growth through allelopathic compounds
Aromatic Herbs
Strong oils from herbs like rosemary and thyme can stunt cucumber growth
Potato
Competes for nutrients and may increase disease susceptibility
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169225)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good general disease resistance
Common Pests
Cucumber beetles, aphids, squash bugs
Diseases
Powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew