How to Grow Cucumber, Burpless Telegraph

Cucumber, Burpless Telegraph

Cucumis sativus 'Burpless Telegraph'

vegetable

Burpless Telegraph is a classic English greenhouse cucumber variety known for its long, smooth, seedless fruits and mild, digestible flavor. These thin-skinned cucumbers are ideal for fresh eating and are less likely to cause digestive discomfort than seeded varieties. The vining plants produce prolific yields throughout the growing season.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Consistent moisture; water deeply 1-2 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Drip irrigation is ideal.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-70 days from planting to first harvest

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Planting depth: 0.75-1 inch for seeds; transplants at same depth as nursery pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining, rich loamy soil with high organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir Balanced organic fertilizer (5-5-5 NPK)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-10; grows as an annual in all zones

2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

Growth Stages

Seedling

7-14 days

Emergence of cotyledons followed by first true leaves with characteristic lobed shape

Maintain warm soil (70-75°F), keep consistently moist, provide bright light. Thin to strongest seedlings. Avoid overwatering to prevent damping-off.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Vine elongation with 4-6 true leaves; development of leaf tendrils for climbing

Install trellising or support system. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch off early flower buds to encourage vine development if desired.

Flowering

2-3 weeks into production

Yellow flowers appear at leaf axils; male flowers precede female flowers (identifiable by small fruit base behind flower)

Maintain consistent watering and warmth. Ensure good air circulation to reduce disease. Pollinators (bees) are beneficial; Burpless varieties may produce parthenocarpic fruit.

Fruiting

4-6 weeks continuous

Long, slender, smooth cucumbers develop rapidly; fruits elongate and mature to 12-14 inches

Check plants daily for mature fruit to encourage continued production. Water consistently—irregular watering causes bitterness and misshapen fruit. Feed with high-potassium fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Peak Production & Harvest

6-10 weeks or until frost

Maximum fruit yield; mature fruits are dark green, 12-14 inches long, with thin skin and minimal seeds

Harvest every 2-3 days at desired length to promote continued flowering. Remove any diseased or damaged leaves. Continue watering and feeding until frost or plant decline.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Borage Corn Dill Marigold Nasturtium Parsley Radish

Avoid planting near:

Aromatic herbs (rosemary, sage in excess) Fennel Potatoes

Common Pests

Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate at first sign; remove affected leaves
Use floating row covers early season; hand-pick beetles; deploy yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil or spinosad if severe
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage parasitic wasps; remove heavily infested leaves
and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening; beer traps; copper barriers; diatomaceous earth; encourage ground beetles

Uses

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Fresh eating and salads

Culinary

Burpless Telegraph cucumbers are ideal for fresh consumption due to their thin, tender skin and minimal seeds. The seedless nature and low acid content make them digestible and perfect for slicing into salads, sandwiches, and vegetable platters. [source]

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Juice and smoothies

Culinary

The high water content and mild flavor make these cucumbers excellent for juicing and blending into refreshing beverages. They contribute hydration and subtle flavor without overwhelming other ingredients. [source]

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Skincare and spa treatments

Household

Fresh cucumber slices have been traditionally used for soothing tired eyes and hydrating skin due to their silica content and cooling properties. The mild acids aid in gentle exfoliation and skin brightening. [source]

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Hydration and digestive health

Medicinal

At 95% water content with beneficial electrolytes, burpless cucumbers support hydration and gentle digestion. The low fiber irritation of seedless varieties makes them suitable for sensitive digestive systems. [source]

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Pickling and preserves

Culinary

Burpless Telegraph's firm flesh and thin skin make it suitable for quick pickling and fermentation projects, though some prefer shorter pickling varieties for traditional recipes. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when fruits are 12-14 inches long, firm, and dark green; pick before over-ripening to encourage production. Cut with a knife rather than pulling to avoid vine damage. Morning harvest yields crispest fruit. Check plants every 2-3 days during peak season. Younger fruits are more tender and have better flavor.

Fun Facts

🌱 The 'Burpless' designation refers to the variety's lower levels of cucurbitacin, the bitter compound that can cause indigestion; these fruits are gentler on the digestive system than seeded varieties.
🌱 Telegraph cucumbers were historically grown in English greenhouses and forced under glass to produce long, perfectly straight fruits for Victorian-era markets.
🌱 Many burpless varieties produce parthenocarpic fruit (seedless development without pollination), making them excellent for greenhouse growing where bee access may be limited.

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