Cucumber (Greenhouse) 'Telegraph Improved'

'Telegraph Improved' is a classic and highly popular greenhouse cucumber variety that has been a favourite in the UK for over a century. It produces long, straight, smooth-skinned fruits that can reach up to 45cm in length. The cucumbers have a superb, crisp texture and a mild, refreshing flavour with no hint of bitterness. Because it is a greenhouse variety, it requires a warm, humid environment to thrive and is best grown in a glasshouse or polytunnel. The plants are vigorous climbers and should be trained up supports or string. Unlike outdoor "ridge" cucumbers, greenhouse varieties like 'Telegraph Improved' produce best when the male flowers are removed to prevent pollination, which can make the fruit bitter and seedy (though many modern F1 hybrids are all-female, this traditional variety may require more attention). Regular watering and feeding with a balanced liquid fertiliser are essential for a heavy crop. It is the gold standard for home-grown, traditional salad cucumbers.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil.

Hardiness: H1c — down to 5°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.