Suyo Long Cucumber Seeds | Cucumis sativus | Ancient Asian Heirloom | Burpless | 15-Inch Ribbed Fruits

Suyo Long Cucumber Seeds – Cucumis sativus | Ancient Asian Heirloom

Suyo Long (Cucumis sativus) is a beloved Asian heirloom cucumber with a history stretching back centuries in China — prized for its impressive fruits up to 15 inches long, gracefully ribbed and sometimes gently curled, with crisp, sweet, nearly burpless flavor and thin, never-bitter skin. Fruits are slightly spiny and deep green when young, becoming smoother and lighter as they ripen. Trellis the vigorous vines for straighter fruit, better air circulation, and easier harvesting. A true triple-purpose performer: excellent for fresh eating, slicing, pickling, and cooking. Open-pollinated heirloom; approximately 1,000 seeds per oz.

Variety Details

• Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Suyo Long’
• Type: Ancient Asian heirloom cucumber; open-pollinated
• Fruit length: Up to 15 inches; ribbed, slightly curled
• Skin: Deep green, slightly spiny when young; smooths as it ripens
• Flavor: Crisp, sweet, thin-skinned, nearly burpless — no bitterness
• Best use: Fresh eating, slicing, pickling, stir-frying
• Approx. seeds per oz: ~1,000

Culinary Uses

• Fresh sliced — thin skin means no peeling required; excellent in salads and sandwiches
• Pickling — whole or sliced; pairs perfectly with fresh dill, garlic, and vinegar brine
• Asian-style quick pickles with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili
• Stir-fries and Chinese cold cucumber salads (pai huang gua)
• Added to cold noodle dishes, summer rolls, and grain bowls
• Refreshing cucumber water and spa-style drinks

Companion Plants

Excellent companions for Suyo Long include nasturtiums, radishes, marigolds, sunflowers, peas, beets, carrots, and dill. Plant dill nearby if you plan to make homemade pickles — harvest both at the same time.

Planting Guide

• Direct sow: After last frost in full sun, in well-draining soil at a minimum soil temperature of 60°F.
• Hills: Sow 5 seeds per hill, hills 3 feet apart. Thin to the 3 strongest plants by cutting — do not pull — to avoid root disturbance.
• Rows / raised beds: Space 12 inches apart. Trellis for straight fruits, healthier vines, and better air circulation.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during germination and fruit development. Water deeply rather than shallowly.
• Fertilizing: Feed every 3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer; switch to a lower-nitrogen formula once vines begin flowering.

Harvesting

• Harvest when fruits reach 10–15 inches long for best flavor and crispness. Do not allow to over-ripen on the vine — over-mature fruits become seedy and bitter.
• Pick regularly (every 1–2 days at peak) to encourage continuous production throughout the season.
• Use garden scissors or a sharp knife; do not pull fruits from the vine.