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Gagon Cucumber with slices on a white background.
Cut and whole Gagon Cucumbers arranged on a white background.
Baker Creek&
Five Gagon Cucumbers with slices arranged on a white background.
Whole and cut Gagon Cucumbers with a ruler showing size on a white background.
A single Gagon Cucumber with a slice centered on a white background.
Gagon Cucumber with slices on a white background.
Cut and whole Gagon Cucumbers arranged on a white background.
Baker Creek&
Five Gagon Cucumbers with slices arranged on a white background.
Whole and cut Gagon Cucumbers with a ruler showing size on a white background.
A single Gagon Cucumber with a slice centered on a white background.

Cucumber Seeds,
Gagon

3.611 ReviewsSKU: #WW194
Price
Regular price $4.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $4.00
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Min. 10 seeds

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Description

(Cucumis sativus). This rare Bhutanese cucumber thrives in cool northern climates, but also stands up to intense heat and humidity. It was collected in 1981 at a farm store in the Trongsa district village of Poengenang, roughly in the geographical center of Bhutan. When fruit is immature and green, it makes a great cucumber for raw eating or pickling. When mature, it resembles the more common Indian variety ‘Poona Kheera’, but is darker-skinned, much bigger (up to 20” long in our experience), but still quite tasty. The flesh of the mature fruit is reminiscent of melons (which are cousins of cucumbers, after all), and can be eaten raw, pickled, or turned into a delicious chutney. The flesh of the ripe fruit is traditionally cooked in Bhutan. For seed savers, it’s refreshing to find a cucumber that is still useful once seeds are fully ripe. Watching these giants develop on the vine is one of the joys of summer!

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucumis sativus
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
5–14
Days to Maturity
55–65
Planting Depth
½ in.
Plant Spacing
12–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Gagon cucumber seeds after the last spring frost, once soil temperatures remain above 65°F. This Bhutanese heirloom thrives in cool northern climates but also stands up to intense heat and humidity, so give it ample sunlight and steady moisture wherever you grow it. In cooler regions, start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before transplanting outdoors into warm soil. 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

Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in loose, fertile soil amended with compost. Space plants 12–18 inches apart in rows or hills spaced 3–4 feet apart. For vertical growing, provide trellises or cages for support. Keep soil consistently moist during germination and early growth. Thin seedlings to one or two strong plants per hill to ensure vigorous vines and abundant fruiting.

How to Grow

Gagon cucumbers prefer evenly moist soil and regular feeding with compost or organic fertilizer. Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Water at the base to avoid wetting leaves, which can lead to mildew. Trellised plants yield straighter, cleaner fruits and reduce pest issues. Harvest frequently when fruits reach 8–10 inches long to encourage continuous production and peak flavor.

How to Save Seeds

  • Allow several fruits to fully ripen and turn yellow on the vine.
  • Harvest overripe cucumbers and cut open to scoop out the seeds.
  • Place seeds in water for 2–3 days to ferment and remove the gelatinous coating.
  • Rinse thoroughly, dry on a screen or paper towel, and store in a cool, dry place.
  • Label and store seeds in airtight containers; viable for up to five years.

FAQ

What makes Gagon cucumber unique?

This Bhutanese heirloom is known for its long, tender fruits with exceptional flavor and texture. It resists bitterness and produces well even in hot climates, making it ideal for summer gardens.

Can I grow Gagon cucumbers on a trellis?

Yes. Trellising improves air circulation, keeps fruits clean and straight, and saves space. Vertical growing also reduces pest pressure and makes harvesting easier.

How can I prevent bitterness in Gagon cucumbers?

Provide consistent watering and avoid heat or drought stress. Gagon is good at both stages: pick fruits young and green for raw eating and pickling, or let them size up to about 20 inches, when the melon-like flesh is good raw, pickled, or cooked into chutney. Saving seed takes longer still: full length is not the signal, so leave those fruits on the vine several more weeks until the skin color changes and the rind hardens, then let them sit indoors a while longer before you clean the seed.

Browse our full range of cucumber seeds.

Customer reviews

3.6 / 5 11 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Huge fruit: Single cucumbers reach several pounds; one feeds a crowd.

  • Vigorous vines: Climbs 8 to 10 feet up a trellis and keeps on growing.

  • Long keeper: Stays crisp in the fridge for a week or more.

  • Crisp flesh: Crisp even at full size; flavor ranges from sweet to plain.

  • Heads up: Male flowers come first; fruit sets late and yields are few.

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