Cucumber Telegraph Improved

Telegraph Improved is a very reliable variety producing good crops of dark green fruits with a delightful old fashioned flavour. This variety is best grown under glass, although it will grow in the open, and will need supporting so that the long fruits dangle straight. If you don’t mind the fruit curling a bit just let it scramble along.

SOW: inside in April/early May in individual pots, keep moist (not waterlogged) and warm, ready to start to harden off once the plants have 2/3 leaves

GROW: harden off over a couple of weeks before planting out. Telegraph Improved is best grown under glass, although it will grow in the open, and will need supporting so that the long fruits dangle straight so provide a sturdy trellis, wires or canes (up to 1m in height by 1.5m spread) but you don’t mind the fruit curling a bit just let it scramble about. Keep plants weeded and well-watered. Mulch if possible, they respond to a mid-season liquid feed too.

ENJOY: pick when fruits are firm and deep green for that old-fashioned flavour. Slice straight into salads or enjoy as crunchy snacks—no peeling needed.

For a fun twist, try barely salt-sprinkling slices before serving to bring out the classic taste.