Nunhems Don is a high-yielding, hybrid cucumber variety that is resistant to downy mildew (DM). It is a good choice for both commercial and home growers.

Benefits:

For Commercial Growers:
Profitable: Nunhems Don cucumber seeds have high yields, early maturity, and disease resistance translates to increased income.
Market-Ready: Attractive appearance and excellent flavor ensure high demand.
Reduced Waste: Disease resistance and strong fruits minimize losses.
Flexible: Adaptability to various conditions allows for wider market reach.
For Home Gardeners:
Easy to Grow: Fast maturity and adaptability make it perfect for beginner and experienced gardeners.
Abundant Harvest: Enjoy fresh cucumbers regularly throughout the season.
Versatile: Delicious in various dishes and perfect for snacking.
Disease Resistance: Minimizes the need for chemical treatments.
Additional Advantages:
Parthenocarpic: Doesn't require pollination for fruit set, simplifying cultivation.
Trellis-Friendly: Grows well on support, improving fruit quality and ease of harvest.
Extended Shelf Life: Maintains freshness for longer, reducing post-harvest losses.

Key Features:

High-yielding: Produces abundant fruits (up to 400 per plant) thanks to strong plant vigor and multiple fruit sets per node.
Fast Maturing: Ready to harvest in just 42-45 days (about 1 and a half months), ideal for maximizing your growing season.
Disease Resistant: Possesses intermediate resistance to downy mildew, a common cucumber threat.
Cylindrical Shape: Nunhems Don cucumber seeds Produce attractive, uniform fruits with a deep green color, perfect for market appeal.
Excellent Flavor: Crisp and refreshing with a balanced sweetness, ideal for salads, wraps, or snacking.
Adaptable: Thrives in diverse climates and soil conditions, from open fields to polyhouses.
Vigorous Plant: cucumber seeds Offer good ground cover and potential for vertical gardening.

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 Don 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 Don cucumbers.

Sowing

When sowing the Nunhems Don 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 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 Don 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 Don 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 Don 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 Don 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 Don 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.