Cucumber size and shape I posted a few days ago about my China Jade cucumbers being excessively long and skinny. Did some deeper reading afterwards. In China and Japan, where these long cucumbers are very popular, growers usually aim for a length to diameter ratio of 8 or 9 to 1. Cukes are graded (and priced) according to how well they conform to that size standard and according to how straight they are, assuming that the skin is unblemished. Most Asian cucumbers are eaten unpeeled, and spiny skin and smooth skin are equally acceptable. Apparently, some difference in cucumber dimensions can be the result of whether the fruit are encouraged to develop on the main vine (trellised upwards, vertically or at an angle) or on the lateral branches. Some varieties have a preference for one growth habit, while others do well with either. Many commercial greenhouse cukes do better (grow longer and straighter and thicker) when mainly grown on the lateral branches. The growth tip of the main vine is therefore pinched once the vine has reached the desired height. Tokyo Green cucumber (aka "Tokiwa") is another Asian market cucumber that I'm growing this year, side by side with China Jade. It is also parthenocarpic and so far this season, seems to be growing straighter and thicker. The flavor of both of these is equally good, as is their productivity and resistance to pests and disease. The snapshot shows China Jade on the bottom of the basket, Tokyo Green up top, along with a banana for size. Mint is in the background for color comparison. Here's a link to the original post: [https://www.reddit.com/r/vegetablegardening/comments/1l0p10k/skinny\_cukes/](https://www.reddit.com/r/vegetablegardening/comments/1l0p10k/skinny_cukes/) Originally by u/NPKzone8a on Reddit: https://tinyurl.com/27tx2m5e