🌱 How to Grow White Cucumber (Khira) from Seeds
Also known as:

• Hindi: सफेद खीरा (Safed Khira)

• Tamil: வெள்ளை சுரைக்காய்

• Telugu: తెల్ల కీరా

• Malayalam: വെള്ള കക്കിരി

• Kannada: ಬಿಳಿ ಸೌತೆಕಾಯಿ

• English: White Cucumber

• Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus (White variety)

1. 🌤️ Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season crop

• Best time to sow:

  • Spring-Summer: Jan–Apr

  • Monsoon: Jun–Jul (ensure proper drainage)

• Ideal Temperature: 22°C–35°C

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, well-drained sandy loam

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in organic compost, cow dung manure, and neem cake powder before sowing

3. 🌾 Sowing the Seeds

• Depth: ½ to 1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • In-ground: 12–18 inches between plants, 2–3 feet between rows

  • In pots/grow bags (15–18 inch): Sow 2–3 seeds, keep the healthiest seedling

• Water gently after sowing

4. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting

• Avoid waterlogging

• Use drip irrigation or water at base to avoid wetting leaves

5. 🌿 Germination

• Seeds germinate in 5–8 days

• Provide warmth and indirect sunlight

• Thin out weaker seedlings early

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 6–8 hours of full sun daily

• Grows best in warm to hot climates

• Use mulch or straw to retain moisture and prevent fruit-soil contact

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Add organic compost every 2–3 weeks

• Use banana peel tea, seaweed extract, or potassium-rich liquid fertilizer during fruiting

• Avoid too much nitrogen – it promotes vines over fruit

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Common pests: Aphids, cucumber beetles, powdery mildew

• Spray neem oil + soap solution every 10–15 days

• Provide airflow and avoid wetting leaves to reduce fungal risk

9. 🥒 Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 45–60 days

• Harvest when cucumbers are tender, firm, and 6–8 inches long

• Don’t wait too long — overripe cucumbers become bitter

• Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the fruit

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• Let a fruit mature fully and turn yellow on the plant

• Scoop out seeds, rinse off pulp

• Dry thoroughly in shade and store in a cool, dry place

🥗 Health Benefits of White Cucumber

• Hydrating – high water content

• Rich in vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants

• Helps in detoxification and digestion

• Cooling effect – great for hot summers

• Low in calories – perfect for weight-conscious diets