Nunhems Belle Cucumber seeds are a high-yielding, hybrid cucumber variety that is perfect for commercial and home gardens. It is a French word that means "beautiful lady," and it lives up to its name with its slender, straight fruits that are up to 12 inches long. The fruits have a smooth, glossy skin and a crisp, refreshing

Key Features:

High Yield: Belle Cucumber produces a prolific amount of dark green, cylindrical cucumbers, reaching lengths of 18-22 cm.
Early Maturity: Ready to harvest in just 40-42 days after planting, making it a great choice for short growing seasons.
Disease Resistance: Resistant to several common cucumber diseases, including downy mildew, powdery mildew, and cucumber mosaic virus.
Excellent Shelf Life: Maintains its fresh appearance and firmness for extended periods after harvest, ideal for market growers.
Attractive Appearance: Deep green skin with a smooth finish, making it visually appealing for consumers.
Moderate Vigor: Compact vines suitable for both field and greenhouse production.

Benefits:

Increased Profitability: High yields and disease resistance lead to greater profits for farmers.
Reduced Risk: Disease resistance provides peace of mind and reduces the need for chemical pest control.
Early Harvest: Quick turnaround time allows for multiple plantings or other crops within the same season.
Improved Marketability: Attractive appearance and extended shelf life make Belle cucumbers more desirable to consumers.
Versatility: Suitable for various culinary uses, including salads, sandwiches, pickling, and fresh eating.

Land Preparation:

Loosen the Soil: Break up the ground 20-25 cm (about 9.84 in) deep using a spade, rototiller, or tractor. This aeration improves drainage, facilitates root growth, and incorporates organic matter.
Strike the Right Balance: Cucumbers thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Test your soil's pH and adjust accordingly. Use lime to raise pH and elemental sulfur to lower it.
Organic Boost: Enrich the soil with well-rotted manure or compost at a rate of 2-4 kg/m². This increases organic matter content, enhances drainage, and provides essential nutrients.
Fertilizing for Success: Consider adding a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 NPK at a rate of 1 kg/100 m (about 328.08 ft) ² before planting. This provides additional nutrients for optimal growth.
Create Mounds: Build raised beds 15-30 cm (about 11.81 in) high using a mixture of soil, compost, and aged manure. Ensure good drainage holes are present.

Refine the Surface: Rake the soil to a fine tilth, removing any large clods or debris. This creates a smooth and welcoming environment for Nunhems Belle cucumber seeds.
Furrows or Hills: Depending on your planting method, form planting hills or furrows. Ensure proper drainage by making them slightly elevated.
Mulch Magic: Cover the prepared bed with a thin layer of mulch (straw, hay, or wood chips). This suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and regulates soil temperature, creating a favorable microclimate for Nunhems Belle cucumbers.

Sowing

When sowing the Nunhems Belle cucumber crop, the process depends on several factors, including your climate, preferred method, and variety. Here's a breakdown of the two main options:

Direct Sowing:

Suitable for Warmer climates with consistent soil temperatures above 68°F (20°C) after the last frost.
Timing: Sow Nunhems Belle seeds directly outdoors when the soil has warmed sufficiently, typically late spring or early summer. Ensure no risk of frost remains.
Method: Make planting holes or furrows about 1 inch deep and spaced according to cucumber seeds (typically 12-18 inches apart). Sow 2-3 seeds per hole and cover lightly with soil. Water gently.

Starting Seeds Indoors:

Suitable for Colder climates or early harvests.
Timing: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) before the last frost date.
Method: Use individual pots or seed trays filled with seed starting mix. Sow 1-2 seeds per pot, 1/2 inch deep. Place in a warm location (70-80°F) with bright light. Water regularly keeps the soil moist but not soggy. Once seedlings have developed true leaves, thin to one strongest plant per pot. Harden off seedlings for a week before transplanting outdoors when soil temperatures are warm, and all risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting:

Preparing the Soil:

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.

Amend the soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage and nutrient content.
Dig planting holes twice the diameter of the seedling pots, spaced according to Nunhems Belle seedlings (typically 12-18 inches apart).

Transplanting Technique:

Gently remove seedlings from pots without disturbing the roots.

Place the seedling in the planting hole at the same depth it was in the pot.
Fill the hole with soil and gently firm it around the base of the plant.
Water generously settles the soil and eliminates air pockets.

Aftercare:

Water regularly, especially during hot weather, to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Provide support for vining varieties using poles, trellises, or netting.
Monitor pests and diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.

Harvesting:

Pickling Nunhems Belle cucumbers are usually harvested earlier than slicing varieties when they are smaller and firmer. Their skin should be bumpy, and the blossom end should be closed.
Slicing Nunhems Belle cucumbers typically require more time to reach full size and have smoother skin with an open blossom end.
Use sharp pruners or a knife to cut the cucumber stem, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached to the vine. Avoid pulling or twisting, as this can damage the plant.
Harvest cucumbers regularly, ideally every 1-2 days, to encourage continuous fruit production.
Avoid harvesting Nunhems Belle cucumbers in the heat of the day, as they may be wilted or sunburned. Early morning or evening are ideal times.

Storage:

Crisper drawer: This is the best place for most cucumbers. Wrap individual Nunhems Belle cucumbers in a damp paper towel or place them in a breathable container to maintain moisture but prevent sweating. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and accelerate spoiling.
Zip-top bags: For longer storage (up to 1-2 weeks), place each cucumber in a separate zip-top bag with a metal spoon inside. The spoon absorbs ethylene gas, which hastens ripening. Remove any condensation that forms in the bag.
Cool pantry: If your pantry stays cool and dark, you can store unwashed cucumbers there for a few days. Place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.