Cucumber ‘Sakamari’ F1 Seeds – Japanese English-Type by Franchi Seeds

A mid‑early Japanese hybrid in the smooth English style, producing dark green, straight, medium‑long fruits with very few spines and excellent fresh flavour. Vigorous, productive and disease‑tolerant, ideal for greenhouses, tunnels and other protected environments in cooler climates. Performs especially well under cover in Ireland.

🌱 Sowing information
Sow March–July indoors in small pots or modules of free‑draining compost. Place seeds on edge 2–2.5 cm deep, keep at 20–25 °C and give strong light to prevent legginess. Pot on and plant into large containers or greenhouse borders once sturdy and frost risk has passed.
☀️ Light exposure
Needs a warm, bright position such as a greenhouse, tunnel or sunny conservatory. Provide full light with slight shading during the hottest hours and ensure good ventilation for steady growth.
💧 Water needs
Keep soil or compost consistently moist; never allow plants to dry out, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water at the base to reduce mildew risk and maintain humidity by damping paths in hot weather.
🌡️ Germination temperature & time
Germinates best at 20–25 °C, usually within 5–10 days. Use a heated propagator or warm windowsill for early sowings; later sowings can be made without extra heat.
📏 Plant spacing & final size
Space plants 45–60 cm apart in borders or large containers (25–30 cm pots or grow bags). Train the main stem up a cane, string or trellis; pinch out the tip at the top support and manage side‑shoots for easy harvesting.
🌼 Harvesting notes
Pick fruits when medium‑sized, firm and evenly green. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous flowering and fruiting throughout the season.

Bullet Technical Data
• 🌱 Sowing depth: 2–2.5 cm, sown on edge
• 📅 Planting months (Ireland): Sow March–July; plant out May–June under cover
• ☀️ Light: Full light; slight shade in hottest sun
• 🌡️ Germination: 5–10 days at 20–25 °C
• 📏 Plant height: 1.5–2.0 m+ when trained
• 🪴 Spacing: 45–60 cm between plants
• ⏳ Days to maturity: 55–70 days from sowing
• 🧪 Seeds per packet: approx. 50

Tips & Tricks for Growing
Under Irish conditions, grow Sakamari F1 under cover for best results. Start seeds in individual pots, then move to a warm greenhouse or tunnel once nights are mild. Train vertically, remove weak side‑shoots and feed with a high‑potash fertiliser once fruits set. Keep watering steady to avoid bitterness.
Ensure good ventilation without cold draughts. Mulch around the base to keep moisture even and roots cool.

Garden-to-Table Recipe (for 4 people)
Cucumber & Feta Summer Salad
Ingredients (for 4 people)
• 2–3 Sakamari F1 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 80–100 g feta, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper

Method 
1. Combine sliced cucumbers and onion in a bowl; add herbs.
2. Scatter feta on top.
3. Whisk oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
4. Pour over the salad and toss gently.
Serving suggestions & variations
Serve chilled with grilled fish, lamb or halloumi, or as part of a mezze spread. Add cherry tomatoes and olives, or mix in cooked, cooled pasta for a more substantial dish.