We praise you for, among other things, growing your own cucumbers and striving for a healthy organic harvest. And even if it will take a while until the first harvest, there is no harm in thinking about the coming season now. In fact, you can obtain your own cucumber seeds using the fruits you grow for this purpose. We will explain to you how to do this and why it is advantageous.
How do you get seeds from your harvested fruits?
Every fruit contains genetic material that it transfers via the seeds to the new plants and thus also to the future fruits. Therefore, it obviously makes sense to sort out cucumbers that are of poorer quality and use the seeds of the particularly good ones instead. Ideally, these come from cucumber fruits that are large and well developed. If you have noticed any of these on the plants, do not rush to harvest.
Which types of cucumber are suitable?
Only choose so-called seed-resistant cucumber varieties when you buy your first cucumber seeds, as these have the ability to pass on their properties, i.e. their genes. There are numerous hybrid varieties on the market that are unable to do this (if they form seeds at all). Over time, they change their characteristics because their genetics are unstable. This not only makes them much more susceptible to disease and pest infestation, but alsoalso changes their tasteuntil they are inedible. This also includes most supermarket cucumbers.
If you want to grow your own cucumber seeds every year, it is also advisable to always use one and the same variety instead of combining several in the bed. Because in this way hybrids are naturally created with the same characteristics as those purchased. Those with the note “seed-proof” on the packaging are well suited and include, among others:
- Apple cucumber
- Armenian cucumber
- Feldgurke ‘Marketmore 76’
- Russian brown net cucumber
- Lettuce
- Snake cucumber 'Moneta'
- Snake cucumber 'Gergana'
- Tanja
When to harvest cucumbers in the garden that are intended for seeds?
Leave them on the cucumber plant until fully ripe. This is not the same as eating ripeness, when the fruit is still crisp and green. The seeds reach maturity as soon as the shell turns yellow but is still hard. It is now no longer suitable for consumption. Do you have that?yellowish cucumberharvested, it still needs to ripen a little. To do this, place them in a dry place (preferably indoors) for 2 to 3 weeks to avoid rot.
How to get cucumber seeds step by step
- If you want to extract the cucumber seeds, only lightly and carefully cut the peel of the fruit instead of cutting it completely through. This will prevent you from injuring the seeds.
- Then break the two cucumber halves apart (like you would with peaches, for example).
- Use a spoon to scrape out the cucumber seeds.
- You now have to remove the jelly-like mass that is around the seeds. This has a germ-inhibiting effect and is unnecessary for your needs. To do this, fill a glass with warm water, put the seeds in it and let them rest for 24 to 48 hours. A fermentation process occurs that dissolves the gelatinous mass.Important: As soon as this germ protection has detached from the seeds (which can take varying amounts of time), the germination process begins, for which the warm water provides the ideal conditions. So check the seeds regularly to see whether the germ protection has already come off, because once germination begins, the seeds are no longer suitable for storage.
- Anything that floats to the top after the time has elapsed can be disposed of.
- Remove the remaining cucumber seeds, rinse them through a sieve with clear water and dry quickly with the help of kitchen paper and then in the sun.
Proper storage is essential!
Now store them in a dark place that is also dry and cool. One way to prevent moisture is to use the right container. Paper bags or envelopes that can absorb moisture are suitable, as are mason jars with lids lined with kitchen paper. As long as you ensure sufficient dryness, the seeds can even be stored in the refrigerator or frozen. This means it can be stored for a long time (up to 10 years).
Obtaining cucumber seeds yourself – these are the advantages
You will enjoy several benefits when you grow your own cucumber seeds. On the one hand, you will of course save money this way over the years, because you can collect new seeds every season. But what's even better is that you always know that your vegetables have not been chemically treated and you are getting organic quality cucumbers for yourself. You yourself have control over the means to combatpests or diseasesbe used.
The only disadvantage is that you should avoid having a variety of varieties in the garden if youPull cucumbersand want to get seeds from them, and should instead rely on just one. The reason for this is, as already mentioned, that the properties of the individual varieties mix due to pollination and other factors and the taste could change in the coming year.
