Little Leaf Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Katrina produces an early to midseason crop in protected culture. Known for its ability to set fruit under heat stress, Katrina is very high yielding with excellent uniformity. This seedless, thin-skinned cuke is best when harvested at 5 1/2-6 1/2" long - a great size between Unistars and the larger Socrates. Gynoecious and parthenocarpic. Also available in organic seed.
Harvest
49d
Days to harvest
Sun
White-Tailed Deer
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
8-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Little Leaf Cucumber in USDA Zone 7
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Little Leaf Cucumber · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
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.
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
Basil
Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially improving cucumber flavor
Marigold
Deters cucumber beetles, aphids, and nematodes with natural compounds
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for cucumber beetles and squash bugs while repelling aphids
Radish
Repels cucumber beetles and squash vine borers, breaks up soil for cucumber roots
Bean
Fixes nitrogen in soil benefiting heavy-feeding cucumbers
Corn
Provides natural trellis support and creates beneficial microclimate
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cucumber pests
Lettuce
Provides ground cover to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Keep Apart
Aromatic Herbs
Strong-scented herbs like sage can inhibit cucumber growth and germination
Potato
Competes for nutrients and may increase disease susceptibility
Fennel
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit cucumber growth and development
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Cucumber Mosaic Virus (Intermediate); Cucumber Vein Yellowing Virus (Intermediate); Powdery Mildew (Intermediate); Scab (High)
Common Pests
Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, spider mites
Diseases
Bacterial wilt, angular leaf spot