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Tokiwa 'Tokyo Green' Cucumber Seeds

"Completely bitter-free, always sweet."

Sun: Full Sun

Days to Maturity: 55 - 65 Days

Length: 9 - 10 Inches

Heirloom: Yes

Packet: 10 Seeds

Price: $3.49

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Summary / History

HEIRLOOM - The Tokiwa cucumber, also known as Tokyo Green, is a Japanese heirloom that originated in China before being introduced to Japan during the Meiji era (1868–1912). By the 1930s, the Tokiwa cucumber had become incredibly popular in Tokyo, which resulted in it becoming the dominant, standard slicing cucumber in Japanese home gardens and markets. Its popularity was a result of its trellis-climbing vines and high yields; its famous vining habits were highlighted in the 1932 Oriental Seed Company catalog. Japanese breeders later refined and stabilized the variety around 1960 to eliminate bitterness; this was done by crossing the North China type (Shimo-shirazu) with the South China type (Shindome). As a result, the Tokiwa cucumber became the cornerstone for modern Japanese cucumber breeding. It eventually made its way to Western gardeners and farmers by organic and biodynamic seed initiatives.

Plant Characteristics

The Tokiwa cucumber is a prized Japanese slicer known for its mild, sweet, melon-like flavor with a crisp, buttery texture. Unlike many American slicing cucumbers, they are completely bitter-free, retaining their crisp, juicy crunch and mild flavor even if left to grow to a larger size. Dark green, uniform cucumbers are 9-10 inches long with minimal seeds and thin skin that is never tough or waxy. Their minimal seed cavity means they are dense, solid and juicy, perfect for both slicing and pickling. This burpless cucumber doesn’t require peeling for fresh salads or sushi preparations. Vigorous vines can grow up to twice as long as common cucumber varieties. When grown vertically on a trellis or support, the vines can grow 5 feet tall; if allowed to trail, the vines can grow 1-3 feet tall. To ensure long, straight and uniform cucumbers, trellising is recommended. Well-adapted to hot, dry summers and highly resistant to powdery mildew and downy mildew. Ready to harvest in 55-65 days.

    • Quick Facts

    • Botanical Name: Cucumis Sativus


    • Life Cycle: Annual


    • Light Requirement: Full Sun


    • Planting Season: Warm Season


    • Plant Type: Creeping Vine Variety


    • Features: Heirloom, Highly Resistant To Powdery Mildew And Downy Mildew


    • Fruit Size: 9 - 10 Inches Long


    • Days to Maturity: 55 - 65 Days


    • Plant Spacing: 18 - 24 Inches


    • Planting Depth: 1/2 Inch


    • Sowing Method: Start Indoors, Direct Sow


    • Cold Stratification: No


    • Hardiness Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11


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