Cucumber ?Socrates? is an RHS award-winning, all female variety.
This fast-growing and vigorous variety produces plentiful crops of bitter-free mini cucumbers. An 'all female' type, they are best grown in a greenhouse or tunnel, where seedless fruits can be produced if kept free from pollinators. 'All female' F1 hybrids give the surest results, producing almost all female flowers, virtually eliminating the need to remove male flowers (male flowers are generally only produced when plants become stressed). A worthy recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, this is an easy-to-grow, long-standing favourite of vegetable growers and is frequently recommended by the gardening press and consumer groups as one of the best tasting cucumbers. Its high resistance to disease extends the growing season as the plants are less susceptible to powdery mildew, which can be prevalent towards the end of summer and into autumn, when light levels are lower. The dark green, thin-skinned fruits are best cut when about 18cm (7in) long and have a pleasing nutty flavour that is far superior to shop-bought cucumbers. As well as being super fresh and juicy when picked straight from the garden, these little beauties are packed with nutrients and antioxidants - they are a good source of vitamins K, B and C, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Supplied as a packet of 5 seeds ready to sow indoors from February to May. Plant out May to June into fertile, moisture-retentive but well draining soil in a greenhouse bed or tunnel, or into good quality compost in containers or growbags for growing under cover. Harvest from July to October (cooler-grown crops from August).
A mostly female variety (though on occasions male flowers will grow). These will produce a large crop of good quality mini cucumbers that are not bitter. They are suitable for growing in greenhouses.Fruit vegetables including tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers, pumpkins and sweet corn are key elements of a healthy diet, bringing us closer to a Mediterranean lifestyle. Investing in some seeds, soil and a few containers is an economical way to grow your own kitchen garden. Whether you have a small patio or a vast growing space, you can enjoy fresh produce readily available for salads, garnishes and healthy snacks. If you end up with an abundance of crop, you can share them with friends and family.Characteristics:When To Sow: Indoors February-May, April-May in cold greenhouse or tunnelWhen To Harvest: July-October, cooler grown crops from August Soil Type: Fertile, moist soil or grow bags Advice: If any male flowers grow (those without a swelling behind the flower) remove these as pollinated female flowers produce bitter fruitsPacket Contents: Average 5 seedsLatin name: Cucumis sativusTransplanting: Will need transplanting Johnsons' premium ranges of flower and vegetable packet seeds feature captivating flowers and authentic vegetables from around the world. No matter what the size of your growing space, either a spacious garden or a limited patio, the high quality of Johnsons' seeds cater for any needs.Explore more of our horticultural range; we have a wide selection of gardening essentials available from compost to plant pots Have a query or can't find something you're looking for? We receive new deliveries every week, so if the item you wish to purchase is currently out of stock, please contact our Customer Services Team and we may be able to reserve the items you require.Please note: Plants and seeds are classed as perishable goods and are excluded from our returns policy. This does not affect your statutory rights. See our Cancellation & Returns page for further details. In the unlikely event that you receive your goods damaged or you have been sent the incorrect item, please report your issues to our customer service team as soon as possible. Perishable goods cannot be returned unless we have sent the wrong item, or they are damaged.