China Jade Cucumber on a white background.
Cucumber Seeds, China Jade
China Jade Cucumber with slices and cucumber salad.
China Jade Cucumber slices and halved.
China Jade Cucumber, whole, slices and halved.
China Jade Cucumbers with cucumber salad.
China Jade Cucumber on a white background.
Cucumber Seeds, China Jade
China Jade Cucumber with slices and cucumber salad.
China Jade Cucumber slices and halved.
China Jade Cucumber, whole, slices and halved.
China Jade Cucumbers with cucumber salad.

Cucumber Seeds,
China Jade

4.988 ReviewsSKU: #CU119Min. seed count: 25
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Description

(Cucumis sativus). Stunning jade-colored flesh and unmatched sweet flavor make this a superb snacking cucumber. A popular cucumber from northern China, it grows well both in the garden and in the greenhouse. The crop is believed to have been brought from western China to the east during the Han dynasty in 216 A.D. Cucumbers have long been selected and perfected in China for sweet, nutty gourmet flavor. This variety is an homage to those many years of natural breeding; the long, slender, thin-skinned fruit will develop without pollination, making a seedless and burpless cuke. In Chinese medicine the cucumber is used as a natural refrigerant in the intense heat of summer; the cooling effect is said to soothe heat-related ailments! A favorite in our trials; we just love the flavor and gemstone-colored flesh! Try growing this variety in a greenhouse without pollinators; the result is a tender and delectable burpless fruit without seeds.

Growing Tips: China Jade cucumbers are heat-tolerant, prolific producers of slender, jade-green fruits with tender skin and virtually no bitterness. Ideal for warm climates, they benefit from trellising for straighter growth and easier harvesting. Regular picking encourages continuous yield, while consistent watering helps maintain texture and flavor. Mulching improves soil moisture retention and reduces weed competition. Some afternoon shade is beneficial in the hottest summer weather.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucumis sativus
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–14
Days to Maturity
60–70
Planting Depth
½ in.
Plant Spacing
12–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Sow China Jade cucumber seeds outdoors after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F. For cooler climates, start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks ahead of your last frost date. This heat-loving variety thrives in warm weather and performs well in raised beds or containers with full sun. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-draining soil. Enrich beds with compost before planting. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and space 12 to 18 inches apart. Install a trellis at planting time to promote vertical growth. Water gently after sowing and keep soil moist but not soggy through germination and early growth.

How to Grow

Water deeply at the soil level to prevent foliar disease, maintaining consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Feed every 2–3 weeks with balanced, organic fertilizer. Provide trellis support to improve fruit shape, airflow, and yield. Harvest cucumbers when they reach 10–12 inches long for best texture and mild, sweet flavor.

How to Save Seeds

  • Select disease-free plants for seed saving.
  • Allow fruits to fully ripen on the vine (they will turn yellow or orange).
  • Scoop out seeds and pulp into a jar or bowl with water.
  • Ferment at room temperature for 2–3 days, stirring daily.
  • Rinse seeds thoroughly and dry on a screen or paper towel for 1–2 weeks.
  • Store in a cool, dry place in a labeled and dated airtight container.

FAQ

Do China Jade cucumbers need to be peeled before eating?

No, the skin is exceptionally thin and tender, making China Jade cucumbers ideal for fresh eating without peeling. Grown in a greenhouse or under cover away from pollinators, the fruit develops without pollination and is nearly seedless and burpless; grown outdoors where bees can reach the flowers, it sets seed normally and is still sweet, thin-skinned, and non-bitter.

Can China Jade cucumbers be grown in containers?

Yes, China Jade cucumbers adapt well to large containers. Use a trellis to support their vining habit and ensure the container has good drainage and receives full sun for best performance.

How long do China Jade cucumbers get?

China Jade cucumbers typically grow to 10–12 inches long but may reach up to 14 inches under ideal conditions. They remain crisp, sweet, and non-bitter even at extended lengths.

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