Beit Alpha cucumbers are a delicious, sweet, smooth-skinned variety that is picked small and does not need peeling. This variety is very popular in the Mediterranean and was developed in Israel at a kibbutz farm.
Cucumbers are great in salads, mini English sandwiches, drinks, or just eaten plain. This variety makes a tasty option for pickles.
Seeds can be sowed directly in the garden once the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed. Press seeds one half inch into the soil and space rows 3 feet apart. If you want perfectly straight cucumbers, grow them on a trellis or along a fence. This variety grows well in both warm and cool temperatures, but should be planted when average daily temperatures reach the mid-70s.
Harvest Beit Alpha cucumbers a bit smaller than other varieties. Pick at 3 inches for small pickles or 5–6 inches for dill pickle spears or to slice fresh for salads, snacks, or sandwiches. Cut fruit away from the plant using a sharp knife to protect delicate cucumber vines.
Allow one cucumber to mature towards the end of the season. Once it grows to 2–3 feet in length, the skin will turn yellow and it will begin to soften. Harvest the fruit, slice it in half length-wise, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Place them in a strainer and rinse with water to remove pulp. Spread seeds out on a newspaper to dry for 7–10 days. Save only the plump, fully mature seeds in a cool, dry area for up to five years.