Rijk Zwaan Craig RZ F1 Lebanese Cucumber Seeds (10 Seeds) – Blueleaf® Mini Cucumber Seeds

Craig RZ F1 Lebanese Cucumber Seeds from Rijk Zwaan

Rijk Zwaan Craig RZ F1 is a high-yielding Lebanese cucumber, a mini cucumber type producing well-filled 15 to 18cm fruit with ribbed skin and a great taste. Bred with the Blueleaf® trait and trialled in Australia, it performs strongly through the spring, summer and autumn production cycles in the field or an unheated hothouse. Each pack contains 10 F1 hybrid cucumber seeds for planting in home gardens, market gardens and small greenhouses.

The Blueleaf® Trait

Blueleaf® is a natural trait bred into Craig RZ. Plants have darker, blue-green foliage with more chlorophyll, which means more light absorption and, in turn, more growth and fruiting. According to Rijk Zwaan, Blueleaf varieties are also better able to withstand viruses, fungi such as Fusarium and mildew, and pests such as whitefly and thrips, helping the crop stay healthier and productive for longer.

Built-In Disease Resistance

Craig RZ carries high resistance (HR) to cucumber scab (Ccu) and powdery mildew (Px), two of the most common cucumber problems in Australian conditions. It also has intermediate resistance (IR) to five viruses: cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV), papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). Resistance does not mean immunity, but it gives the plant a strong head start.

When to Plant Cucumber Seeds in Australia

Cucumbers are warm-season plants that do not tolerate frost or cold soil. Sow cucumber seeds in spring and summer once the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed. Craig RZ is best suited to late spring through early autumn harvest across most of Australia, and in tropical areas it can also be grown through winter.

How to Plant and Grow Craig RZ

• Sow: plant seeds about 1cm deep in seed-raising mix in trays or pots, or directly into warm garden beds
• Germination: seeds usually sprout within 4 to 10 days in warm conditions
• Spacing: space plants about 40 to 60cm apart, with rows around 100 to 120cm apart
• Sun and soil: choose a spot with at least 6 hours of full sun and well-drained soil rich in compost or aged manure
• Support: grow up a trellis or wire to keep fruit clean and straight and make picking easier
• Water and feed: keep soil evenly moist and feed through the season
• Harvest: fruit is typically ready in around 8 to 10 weeks from sowing. Pick often at 15 to 18cm to keep plants producing

Key Features and Benefits

• High-yielding F1 hybrid Lebanese (mini) cucumber
• Well-filled 15 to 18cm fruit with ribbed skin and great taste
• Blueleaf® trait for stronger growth and longer production
• HR: Ccu/Px; IR: CMV/CVYV/PRSV/WMV/ZYMV
• Multi-fruited variety with a strong, open plant
• Suits field and unheated hothouse growing
• Spring, summer and autumn production, and winter in the tropics

Product Details

• Brand: Rijk Zwaan
• Variety: Craig RZ F1 (22-305)
• Type: Lebanese cucumber (mini), F1 hybrid
• Fruit length: 15 to 18cm
• Resistance: HR Ccu/Px, IR CMV/CVYV/PRSV/WMV/ZYMV
• Pack size: 10 seeds
• Seed treatment: Fungicide treated

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease resistance does Rijk Zwaan Craig RZ have?

Craig RZ has high resistance to cucumber scab (Ccu) and powdery mildew (Px), and intermediate resistance to cucumber mosaic, cucumber vein yellowing, papaya ringspot, watermelon mosaic and zucchini yellow mosaic viruses.

Can Craig RZ cucumber seeds be grown in a greenhouse?

Yes. Rijk Zwaan describes Craig RZ as performing well in the field or an unheated hothouse, making it a strong choice for small greenhouses and polytunnels as well as outdoor beds.

What is the best cucumber variety to grow in Australia?

It depends on your climate and how you like your cucumbers. Lebanese cucumbers are a favourite in Australian gardens for their mild taste and thin skin, and disease-resistant hybrids like Craig RZ suit warm, humid conditions where powdery mildew is common.

What cucumber grows best in a greenhouse?

Lebanese and other mini cucumber varieties with strong, open plants and powdery mildew resistance generally do well in greenhouses, as warm, humid conditions favour mildew.

How long does it take to grow a cucumber from seed?

Seeds usually germinate within 4 to 10 days in warm soil, and fruit is typically ready to harvest in around 8 to 10 weeks from sowing.

How far apart should I plant cucumber seeds?

Space plants about 40 to 60cm apart, with rows around 100 to 120cm apart, and sow seeds about 1cm deep.

Where can I buy Rijk Zwaan Craig RZ F1 cucumber seeds in Australia?

Rijk Zwaan Craig RZ F1 Lebanese Cucumber Seeds (10 Seeds) are available from Bonnyrigg Produce & Garden Supplies at 462 Elizabeth Dr, Bonnyrigg NSW 2177, Australia. You can visit our store or order online with delivery across Australia.