*"Burp-Free Cucumber Seeds – Easy to Digest, Crisp & Sweet – Great for Salads!"*
Burpless cucumbers are ideal for anyone that suffers from bloating, gas or excessive burping after eating cucumbers.
**Latin Name:** *Cucumis sativus*
#### **Description**
Burp-free (or burpless) cucumbers are a type of cucumber bred to be milder, easier to digest, and less bitter than standard cucumbers. They typically have thin, smooth skin, fewer seeds, and a crisp, juicy texture. These cucumbers are often longer and more uniform in shape than pickling varieties, making them excellent for fresh eating.
#### **Hardiness**
- Grown as an annual in USDA zones 3-10.
- Sensitive to frost and cold temperatures.
- Thrives in warm, sunny conditions.
#### **Flower Color**
- Bright yellow, five-petaled flowers.
- Male and female flowers appear separately on the same plant, requiring pollination for fruit development.
#### **History & Interesting Facts**
- "Burpless" cucumbers were originally developed in Asia, where mild-flavored cucumbers are popular.
- Their thin skin makes them easier to eat but also shortens their shelf life.
- Some burpless varieties are parthenocarpic, meaning they can produce fruit without pollination.
- The name "burpless" comes from their lower levels of cucurbitacin, a natural compound that can cause bitterness and indigestion in some cucumbers.
#### **How to Grow from Seed**
1. **Starting Indoors (Optional):**
- Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost in biodegradable pots to minimize root disturbance.
- Maintain soil temperature at 70-85°F (21-29°C) for best germination.
- Transplant when soil is warm and after all danger of frost has passed.
2. **Direct Sowing Outdoors:**
- Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 65°F (18°C).
- Plant ½ inch deep in well-draining, fertile soil.
- Space seeds 12 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart, or grow on a trellis for vertical gardening.
#### **How to Grow in the Garden**
- **Sun:** Full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day).
- **Soil:** Loose, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
- **Watering:** Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use mulch to retain moisture.
- **Support:** Use a trellis or cage for better air circulation, reduced disease risk, and straighter cucumbers.
- **Fertilization:** Apply balanced fertilizer when plants begin vining and again when flowers form.
- **Pollination:** If growing in a greenhouse or covered area, hand-pollinate flowers with a soft brush.