Cucumber ‘Redlands White’, Cucumis sativus, is an unusual and attractive cucumber variety producing creamy-white to very pale green fruit with crisp, juicy flesh and a refreshing cucumber flavour. It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for something a little different from the usual dark green cucumber, while still wanting a productive and useful vegetable for the kitchen.

Cucumbers originated in South Asia, particularly India, where they have been cultivated for several thousand years. Redlands White is an Australian-developed variety associated with Queensland, selected for its ability to perform particularly well in warm and humid growing conditions. This makes it a useful cucumber for Australian gardeners, especially those in warmer regions.

Redlands White is both refreshing and nutritious. Like other cucumbers, the fruit contains a very high percentage of water, making it a wonderful hydrating vegetable during hot weather. It provides vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium and small amounts of magnesium and folate, along with dietary fibre and natural plant antioxidants. Leaving the tender skin on the fruit provides additional fibre and nutrients.

The fruit is best harvested while young and tender, when the skin is pale and the flesh is crisp. It is delicious sliced into salads and sandwiches, served with dips, chopped into cold summer dishes or simply eaten freshly picked from the garden. It can also be used for pickling and makes an attractive contrast when served alongside green cucumbers.

Redlands White is a warm-season, vigorous trailing vine that produces tendrils to help it climb. It can be allowed to ramble across the ground, but growing it vertically on a trellis or fence saves space, improves airflow and helps keep the developing cucumbers clean and easy to find.

The plants produce separate male and female yellow flowers. The female flowers can be recognised by the tiny cucumber-shaped swelling immediately behind the flower. Bees and other pollinating insects transfer pollen between the flowers, so having plenty of pollinators visiting the vegetable garden can greatly improve fruit production.

Redlands White enjoys full sun, warmth and fertile, well-drained soil. Incorporating compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting will help support its vigorous growth. Cucumbers have relatively shallow roots and appreciate regular watering, particularly once flowering and fruit production begin. Mulching around the vines will help conserve moisture and keep the roots cooler during hot Australian summers.

Regular harvesting is important. Pick the cucumbers while the fruit is still pale, crisp and tender rather than allowing them to become oversized and mature. Leaving old fruit on the vine can signal to the plant that it has successfully produced mature seed and may reduce the production of new cucumbers.

How to Grow From Seed:

Sow Cucumber Redlands White in spring and summer, once the soil has warmed and the danger of frost has passed. In tropical and subtropical areas, the growing season can be considerably longer.

Sow seeds directly into their permanent position or start them in individual pots for later transplanting. Plant the seeds approximately 1–2 cm deep and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Warm soil encourages quick germination, with seedlings generally appearing within approximately 5–10 days when conditions are suitable.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart and provide a trellis, fence or other support if you would like the vines to climb. If allowing them to trail along the ground, give them considerably more room to spread.

Water deeply and regularly, particularly during flowering and fruit development. Avoid repeatedly allowing the plants to become very dry, as inconsistent moisture can result in misshapen or bitter fruit.

Once fruit production begins, check the vines frequently because cucumbers can grow surprisingly quickly. Pick Redlands White while the fruit is young, firm and beautifully pale for the best flavour and texture. Frequent picking will encourage the vines to continue producing fresh cucumbers throughout the warm growing season.