How To Grow Burpless Cucumbers

Burpless cucumbers are ideal for anyone that suffers from bloating, gas or excessive burping after eating cucumbers.

In this article I’ll explain how to grow burpless cucumbers so you can enjoy beautiful fresh cucumbers straight from the garden without upsetting your stomach.

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burpless cucumbers

What are burpless cucumbers?

Burpless cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) have been specially bred to contain low levels of cucurbitacin, a compound found in the skin and stem of cucumbers that is said to increase burping. [1]

Cucurbitacin also gives cucumbers a bitter taste, so the great thing about burpless cucumbers is that they’re much nicer to eat than regular cucumbers.

Most burpless varieties have thin skin and very few seeds so you don’t have to worry about peeling them or scraping out the seeds.

Cucumber growing conditions can also affect cucurbitacin levels. 

Cucumbers that are grown in very hot climates or in drought conditions usually contain more cucurbitacin and taste a lot more bitter.

Burpless cucumber varieties to grow in your garden

Muncher burpless – One of the most popular burpless cucumber varieties and ideal for pickling.

Diva burpless hybrid – A high yielding variety that is ready to harvest in only 58 days.

Early spring burpless – An extra crispy burpless variety that is perfect for snacking or spring salads.

HOW TO GROW BURPLESS CUCUMBERS

Cucumber plants aren’t frost tolerant, so it’s best to wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting your seeds in the garden.

Plant the cucumber seeds about 1/2 inch (1 cm) deep and leave at least 12 inches (30 cm) in between the seeds. 

You should see the seeds beginning to sprout in about 7 to 10 days.

Cucumber seeds can also be started indoors and planted out in the garden after 4 to 6 weeks.

Feed the plants with a liquid plant food once the flowers appear.

Growing cucumbers vertically

Cucumber plants can be grown vertically on a trellis or arch to save space in the garden.

It’s also easier to keep the plants healthy when they’re grown vertically because there is better air circulation around the plants, which reduces fungal diseases like powdery mildew. [2]

Cucumbers that are grown vertically are also less likely to be affected by pests and it’s easier to harvest the cucumbers because you have better access to the plants.

burpless cucumber plants

Harvesting

Burpless cucumbers are ready to harvest about 60 days after planting.

The ideal time to pick burpless cucumbers is when they’re about 8 inches (20 cm) long.

Cut the stem with a knife or sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant.

Check the vines every couple of days for cucumbers that are ready to harvest. 

Are burpless cucumbers frost tolerant?

All cucumber plants are sensitive to frost so it’s best to wait until the threat of frost has passed before planting cucumbers.

If there is a frost predicted when you’ve got cucumber seedlings in the garden you can cover them with a bucket or container for the night.

What causes burpless cucumbers to turn yellow?

Yellow cucumbers are usually a result of the cucumber becoming overripe on the vine.

As cucumbers become overripe the chlorophyll (green pigment) in the skin begins to fade.

Yellow cucumbers have a very bitter taste so it’s best to toss them into your compost bin.

How to eat burpless cucumbers

Burpless cucumbers have a thin skin, which means you don’t have to worry about peeling them.

You can enjoy burpless cucumbers as a snack straight from the garden, slice them and add to salads or sandwiches or pickle them.

So there are my tips for growing burpless cucumbers in your garden.

By following these tips you can have an abundance of home grown cucumbers that won’t upset your stomach or cause you to burp excessively.

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Have you tried growing burpless cucumbers in your garden? Which variety was most successful? Let me know in the comments below.

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Kelly Martin

Hi, I'm Kelly Martin, a landscape gardener and designer with over 10 years experience. I have a passion for small space gardening and I love designing and creating beautiful outdoor spaces that maximize the potential of small urban gardens. Read more

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Debbie Moore

    Are your burpless long cucumbers self pollinating?

    1. Kelly Martin

      Hi Debbie, yes the plants produce both male and female flowers so they’re self pollinating.

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