Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Beit Alpha — Cucumbers | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Beit Alpha
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

55-60days to harvest

7-10days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after soil reaches 65°F or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: 1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil: Rich, well-drained loam with high organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 12-18 inches
Height: 8-18 inches
Season: Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Dark green
Size: 5-6 inches long, 1.5 inches diameter
Shape: Uniform, blocky, cylindrical
Flavour: Sweet, crisp, mild with no bitterness

In the kitchen

Fresh eating, salads, sandwiches, Mediterranean dishes, pickling

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Cucumber beetles, aphids, spider mites, squash bugs
Diseases: Bacterial wilt, downy mildew, anthracnose
Resistance: Good resistance to powdery mildew and cucumber mosaic virus

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	June	July – August	July – September	September – August
2	May – June	July	July – August	September
3	May	June – July	June – August	August – October
4	April – May	June	June – July	August – October
5	April	May – June	May – July	August – September
6	April	May – June	May – July	July – September
7	March – April	May	May – June	July – August
8	March	April – May	April – June	June – August
9	February	March – April	March – May	May – July
10	January – February	March	March – April	May – June
11	January	February	February – March	April – May
12	January	February	February – March	April – May
13	January	February	February – March	April – May

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

RadishRepels cucumber beetles and squash bugs while improving soil structure

MarigoldDeters cucumber beetles, aphids, and nematodes with natural compounds

NasturtiumActs as trap crop for cucumber beetles and aphids, repels squash bugs

BeanFixes nitrogen in soil and provides natural trellis support

CornProvides natural shade and wind protection for cucumber vines

DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cucumber pests

LettuceServes as living mulch, conserving soil moisture and suppressing weeds

SunflowerProvides natural trellis support and attracts pollinators

Avoid

SageInhibits cucumber growth through allelopathic compounds

PotatoCompetes for nutrients and may increase susceptibility to blight diseases

Aromatic herbsStrong oils from rosemary and thyme can stunt cucumber growth

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 10
Protein (g): 0.59
Fat (g): 0.16
Carbohydrate (g): 2.16
Fibre (g): 0.7
Sugars (g): 1.38
Vitamin A (µg): 4
Vitamin C (mg): 3.2
Vitamin E (mg): 0.03
Vitamin K (µg): 7.2
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.051
Folate (µg): 14
Calcium (mg): 14
Iron (mg): 0.22
Magnesium (mg): 12
Phosphorus (mg): 21
Potassium (mg): 136
Zinc (mg): 0.17
Selenium (µg): 0.1

← PreviousNational Pickling Next →Homemade Pickles

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the cucumbers growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Beit Alpha

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Beit Alpha?

Similar varieties