(Cucumis sativus) Çengelköy is a neighborhood on the Asian shore of the Bosphorous Strait, a bustling waterway plied by passenger ferries and fishing boats, which cleaves the city of Istanbul in two. Now known for historic wooden seaside mansions, cozy tea gardens, friendly stray cats and a relaxed atmosphere, this area was once rich in market gardens producing this cucumber and other produce for Istanbul’s markets. Typically harvested when rather small, in the 4-5” range, it is light green and sweet with a wholesome crunch, bright flavor and very few seeds. The plants are uniform and productive, putting out loads of straight, skinny cucumbers that have long been a crowd-pleaser. Çengelköy is excellent for pickling and general snacking, but most importantly for preparing a simple Turkish breakfast with your friends on a ferry as you dream of Istanbul: “I’m pretty sure it was a cucumber, a crunchy çengelköy cucumber, that hooked me on Istanbul. That cuke - allied with a briny slab of feta-like beyaz peynir cheese, crinkly olives, and simit, a dense sesame-crusted bread ring – was my breakfast on a windswept deck of a commuter ferry crossing the Bosphorous…” – Anya von Bremzen, Saveur 2016. Dr. Mehmet Öztan of Two Seeds in a Pod seed company introduced this variety to the U.S. market a few years ago through his catalog, which specializes in heirloom Turkish varieties. He graciously shared seed with us so that this important variety can be grown by more farmers and gardeners. Thanks, Mehmet!
(* Note: The letter Ç in Turkish makes a “ch” sound as in chips, and köy is roughly pronounced “coy”.)
65-70 days. UO

Packet: 1g (40-45 seeds)

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 3-4 weeks before your last frost date. Keep soil moist before emergence, growing at 70F.

Transplant out 1-3 weeks after your last frost date when the soil has sufficiently warmed.

Direct sow after 2-3 weeks after the last frost when soil is 70F+.

Note: Provide ample and even water when transplanting, and take care not to disturb roots.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/2"

SPACING:

12" at 5-6' between rows.

EMERGENCE:

5-10 days @ soil temp 75-85F

LIGHT:

Full sun

FERTILITY:

Medium to high. Prefers well-drained, evenly moist, and well-balanced fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Be gentle while transplanting to keep the root system undisturbed.

Consistent warmth and water are essential.

Row cover may be used for extra warmth and possibly earlier fruit set. Remove as plants begin to flower.

Cucumber, 'Çengelköy'