Cucumber Seeds – Khirai Traditional Variety | Crisp Fresh Cucumbers

Product Overview

Cultivate authentic, crisp Khirai cucumbers in your garden with our premium traditional cucumber seeds. This classic South Asian variety produces firm, refreshing cucumbers with exceptional crunch and mild, sweet flavor, perfect for fresh salads, cooling drinks, traditional pickles, and everyday cooking. Experience the superior taste and texture that makes Khirai cucumbers a staple in Bengali and South Asian cuisine.

Product Details

• Weight: 0.013 lbs (approximately 6 grams)
• Seed Count: Approximately 12-15 premium seeds per package
• Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus (traditional variety)
• Common Names: Khirai, Traditional Cucumber, Bengali Cucumber, Asian Slicing Cucumber
• Origin: Sourced from authentic South Asian suppliers
• Germination Rate: 85-95% under optimal conditions
• Organic: Yes, naturally grown without chemical treatments

Why Choose Our Khirai Seeds?

Authentic Traditional Variety

Our Khirai seeds produce the genuine cucumber variety that has been cultivated for generations in Bangladesh, India, and South Asia. These aren’t hybridized commercial varieties—they’re the authentic seeds that yield the same crisp, flavorful cucumbers your grandparents grew in their traditional gardens.

Superior Flavor & Texture

Khirai cucumbers are renowned for their exceptional crispness, mild sweetness, and refreshing taste. The firm flesh maintains its crunch even when sliced, making them ideal for fresh salads, raitas, and traditional preparations where texture is crucial.

Excellent Productivity

These vigorous plants produce abundant harvests throughout the growing season. Each plant can yield 15-20 medium-sized cucumbers when properly cared for, providing fresh cucumbers for months of continuous harvest.

Growing Your Khirai Cucumbers

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Time: Start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before last frost, or direct sow when soil temperature reaches 65°F (18°C)

Soil Requirements: Well-draining, fertile soil with pH 6.0-7.0. Prefers rich, organic matter-amended soil with good moisture retention

Spacing: Plant seeds ½ inch deep, spacing them 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart

Support Options: Can be grown as bush variety or trained on trellises for vertical growing

Care & Maintenance

Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout growing season. Deep watering 2-3 times per week, avoiding overhead watering to prevent disease

Fertilization: Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season. Side-dress with compost monthly for sustained nutrition

Mulching: Apply organic mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain consistent soil temperature

Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation and avoid watering leaves to prevent common cucumber diseases

Harvest & Culinary Uses

Harvesting Guidelines

• Young & Tender: Begin harvesting at 4-6 inches for most tender texture and mild flavor
• Standard Size: Harvest at 6-8 inches for traditional slicing applications
• Peak Harvest: Most productive 50-70 days from planting during warm summer months
• Daily Picking: Check plants daily during peak season to maintain continuous production

Traditional Applications

Bengali Cuisine: Essential for authentic Khirai Bharta (mashed cucumber salad), often prepared with mustard oil, onions, and green chilies

Indian Preparations: Perfect for cooling raitas, traditional salads, and refreshing summer dishes

Pickle Making: Ideal size and texture for traditional South Asian pickle preparations (achar)

Fresh Consumption: Excellent eaten fresh with salt, chaat masala, or traditional seasonings

Modern Culinary Uses

• Fresh garden salads and slaws
• Sandwich fillings and wraps
• Smoothies and infused waters
• Mediterranean and fusion cuisines
• Gazpacho and cold soups
• Healthy snacking with dips

Nutritional Benefits & Health Properties

Rich Nutritional Profile

• High Water Content: 95% water for excellent hydration
• Vitamin K: Essential for bone health and blood clotting
• Vitamin C: Supports immune system function
• Potassium: Important for heart health and blood pressure
• Silica: Promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails
• Low Calories: Only 16 calories per 100g serving

Traditional Health Benefits

In traditional medicine, cucumbers are valued for their cooling properties and detoxifying effects. They’re commonly used to reduce inflammation, support kidney health, and provide natural hydration during hot weather.

Growing Tips for Maximum Success

Climate Requirements

Optimal Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C)

Season Preferences: Warm season crop that requires frost-free growing period of 60-70 days

Heat Management: In very hot climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent stress and bitter flavor development

Soil Preparation

Organic Matter: Incorporate 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure before planting

Drainage: Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and fungal diseases

pH Testing: Test soil pH and adjust to 6.0-7.0 range for optimal nutrient uptake

Companion Planting

Grows exceptionally well with:

• Radishes (natural pest deterrent)
• Marigolds and nasturtiums (pest control)
• Beans and peas (nitrogen fixation)
• Tomatoes and peppers (similar growing requirements)

Avoid planting near: Aromatic herbs like sage and mint that may affect cucumber flavor

Container Growing Guide

Space-Efficient Gardening

Container Size: Minimum 5-gallon containers with excellent drainage holes

Trellis Support: Install climbing supports for vertical growing to maximize space efficiency

Placement: Full sun locations with 6-8 hours direct sunlight daily

Watering: Container plants require more frequent watering, potentially daily during hot weather

Urban Gardening Applications

Perfect for:

• Balcony and patio gardens
• Rooftop cultivation
• Small space vegetable gardening
• Vertical growing systems
• Community garden plots

Seed Starting & Transplanting

Indoor Seed Starting

Timing: Start seeds 2-3 weeks before outdoor planting date

Temperature: Maintain soil temperature at 70-75°F (21-24°C) for optimal germination

Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors when soil temperature consistently reaches 65°F (18°C)

Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate indoor seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days

Direct Seeding

Soil Preparation: Ensure soil is warm and well-prepared before direct sowing

Protection: Use row covers or cloches in cooler climates to extend growing season

Succession Planting: Plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest

Pest Management & Disease Prevention

Common Pest Issues

Cucumber Beetles: Use row covers during early growth, remove by hand, or apply beneficial nematodes

Aphids: Encourage beneficial insects, use insecticidal soap, or blast off with water

Spider Mites: Maintain adequate moisture and humidity, use predatory mites if needed

Disease Prevention

Powdery Mildew: Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply organic fungicides if necessary

Bacterial Wilt: Prevent through cucumber beetle control and crop rotation

Downy Mildew: Improve drainage, space plants adequately, and water at soil level

Harvest Timing & Storage

Optimal Harvest Indicators

• Firm texture without soft spots
• Uniform green color without yellowing
• Size appropriate for intended use
• Harvest before seeds become large and hard

Storage Methods

Fresh Storage: Keep in refrigerator crisper drawer for 7-10 days

Pickling: Process immediately after harvest for best texture and flavor

Preservation: Can be frozen for smoothies or cooked applications

Cultural & Historical Significance

Traditional Importance

Khirai has been cultivated in South Asia for over 3,000 years, representing cooling relief during hot seasons and providing essential hydration and nutrients when other vegetables struggle in heat.

Cultural Uses

Beyond food, cucumbers play important roles in traditional beauty treatments, cooling remedies, and cultural celebrations throughout South Asian communities.

Seasonal Growing Calendar

Spring Preparation (April-May)

• Start seeds indoors in cooler climates
• Prepare garden beds with organic amendments
• Install trellis systems if using vertical growing

Summer Growing (June-August)

• Direct sow in warm climates
• Maintain consistent watering schedule
• Begin continuous harvesting

Extended Season (September)

• Continue harvesting until first frost
• Save seeds from best specimens
• Process excess harvest for preservation

Package Contents & Quality Promise

What You Receive

• Premium Khirai cucumber seeds (0.013 lbs package)

Our Guarantee

We guarantee the authenticity and high germination rate of our Khirai cucumber seeds. If germination falls below 80% under proper growing conditions, we’ll provide replacement seeds or full refund within 30 days of planting.

Storage & Seed Viability

Store seeds in original packaging in cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Properly stored Khirai seeds maintain viability for 5-6 years, with optimal germination when planted within 2-3 years of packaging.

Ready to grow authentic, crisp Khirai cucumbers in your garden? Order these premium traditional cucumber seeds today and enjoy the refreshing taste of homegrown cucumbers that connect you with generations of South Asian gardening tradition. Perfect for both experienced gardeners and beginners!

Note: Seeds are for planting purposes only. Growing success varies based on local climate conditions, soil preparation, and proper gardening practices.