Sakamari F1 is a mid-early Japanese cucumber in the smooth English style. Dark green, straight fruits with very few spines, excellent fresh flavour and almost no bitterness. Vigorous, productive and disease-tolerant.
Ideal for greenhouses, polytunnels and other protected environments in Ireland. Performs especially well in cooler climates. Slice into salads, make raita, or eat straight from the vine with a pinch of salt.
🌱 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
