Persian cucumbers are crisp, sweet, and nearly seedless, a favorite in Shirazi salad or simply with salt and lime. For many Iranians in London, they bring back the flavors of home. Whether you want to grow your own with Persian cucumber seeds or pick up fresh ones at local Persian and Middle Eastern markets, Nazdikia shows you where to buy Persian cucumbers in London and how to enjoy them.
Milad Bazar – Maida Vale
Business Description
Meat, fresh produce, and all food products you expect to find in a grocery store are there in the Milad supermarket. But Milad supermarket has gone the extra mile to make this place more like an Iranian supermarket by supplying nostalgic snacks like Pofak and Lavashak. They also celebrate the Persian New Year and sell Sabzeh for your Haft Sin table. There’s also a bakery that sells fresh cakes and confectionery that you can buy for your parties and celebrations. The place is very popular in the Persian community in London, so it’s very likely you’ll hear people chit-chatting in Farsi while shopping.
Kourosh London Hypermarket
Business Description
Kourosh hypermarket in London is a spacious Persian market where goods are neatly stacked on the shelves, and it’s definitely a priority for those who put cleanliness first. You can also buy meat and fresh produce (mainly fruits) at the Koroush market. What attracts Lavashak lovers in this supermarket is the Lavashak stand, where they can find fruit leaves in different flavors, brands, and sizes. You can also buy fresh bakery products and hot-from-oven Barbari bread at the bakery section.
Clockhouse Nursery
Business Description
A family-run garden centre in London known for its wide selection of seeds, plants, and gardening essentials. It’s a welcoming spot for anyone who loves to grow their own food or simply enjoy beautiful plants. Alongside seeds, they offer tools, compost, pots, and expert advice to help every gardener succeed. With its relaxed atmosphere and helpful staff, Clockhouse Nursery is a great place to find quality products.
RealSeeds (The Real Seed Catalogue)
Business Description
An online shop that sells real, open-pollinated vegetable and herb seeds. They care about helping gardeners become more self-sufficient and confident, offering clear guides, sowing tips, and monthly planting advice. Everything is easy to find on their website, and the seeds come in simple paper packets.
Everything You Need to Know About Persian Cucumbers & Seeds in London
Persian cucumbers (known in Persian as khiar) are smaller, smoother, and sweeter compared to many conventional cucumber varieties. They have thin skin, few seeds, and are often eaten raw without peeling. Nazdikia helps you find all variations of Persian cucumbers in London, including pickled and even the seeds.
What to Look for When Buying Persian Cucumbers
When buying fresh Persian cucumbers, look for ones that are firm, evenly green (no yellow patches), unblemished, and not overly moist. Because the skin is delicate, damage or bruises spoil it quickly. If you see small bumps or fine ridges, that’s okay; unlike thick-skinned slicing cucumbers, Persian ones are meant to be tender.
For seeds, pick fresh ones (recent year’s batch), stored in a cool, dry place, from reputable sellers. Beware of moisture, which can reduce germination. If you see a listing like “Persian short mini variety” or “Beit Alpha / Persian / organic short mini cucumber seeds,” that’s a good sign.
You’ll notice some listings on UK sites or global seed shops. For example, a London-based seller offers Iranian Organic Persian short mini cucumber seeds. Also, online seed stores frequently list Persian cucumber or “Beit Alpha / mini cucumber” seeds.
Here are a few picks to consider:
- Iznik F1 Mini Snack Cucumber Seeds – compact and ideal for small gardens or container
- Lothar F1 Mini Cucumber Seeds – yields small, tender cucumbers
- Tanja Organic Cucumber Seeds – organic option
Growing Persian Cucumbers in London: A Practical Guide for Every Home Gardener
Growing Persian cucumbers in London is surprisingly easy.
Start your seeds indoors around late April or May, once nights stay reliably warm. Use pots or trays with well-draining soil and keep them in a cozy environment with a temperature of at least 18°C. When the last frost has passed, transplant your young plants outdoors, spacing them about 30–40 cm apart. If possible, use a small trellis or support system to help the vines grow upright.
Keep the soil evenly moist, as irregular watering can lead to bitterness in the fruit. When your cucumbers reach about 10–15 cm — or your preferred size — they’re ready to harvest. Leaving them on the vine too long can result in tougher skins and more seeds, so pick them regularly to encourage fresh growth.
Pricing & Availability in London
Finding fresh Persian cucumbers in London is becoming easier thanks to the city’s vibrant Persian and Middle Eastern grocery scene. You can often spot them in supermarkets such as Milad Supermarket, Kourosh London Hypermarket, or other community shops across areas like Finchley, Maida Vale, and Kensington. Prices vary depending on the season, but expect to pay a bit more than for standard cucumbers due to their specialty nature.
If you’re searching for Persian cucumber seeds for sale in London, small packets (usually 10–25 seeds) typically cost a few pounds. For example, some sellers offer around 0.30 se (a small amount) of Persian cucumber seeds in London for about £3.56. Since supply can fluctuate, it’s always smart to call ahead; many stores restock early in the morning or on specific delivery days.
Why This Matters for the Persian Community in London
For many Iranians living in the UK, having access to Persian cucumber in London means much more than convenience, it’s a comforting reminder of home. These cucumbers are a key ingredient in dishes like salad shirazi, mast-o-khiar (yogurt with cucumber and herbs), or enjoyed simply with a sprinkle of salt and lime. Growing them yourself ensures freshness, control over chemicals, and the joy of harvesting something truly authentic.
Neighborhoods with strong Persian or Middle Eastern communities, such as Kensington, Finchley, and Maida Vale, often have stores offering Persian pickles in London and other specialty products. Online markets like Asa Market, featured on Nazdikia, make it even easier to find authentic ingredients and have them delivered right to your door.
Fresh vs. Homemade / Store-Bought Seeds
If you prefer immediate convenience, fresh cucumbers from local stores are a great choice. However, they might not always be the specific Persian variety you’re after. Buying Persian cucumber seeds in London lets you grow the exact type you love and even experiment with your own traits over time.
Store-bought seeds from reputable sellers typically have stronger germination rates compared to seeds saved from older fruits, especially those from hybrid or cross-pollinated plants. This means better results and more consistent harvests.
Storage & Everyday Use
Keep your fresh cucumbers in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer inside a perforated plastic bag. When handled gently and kept dry, they’ll stay fresh for 7–10 days. Store seeds in a cool, dry place in a sealed packet away from moisture.
Use your Persian cucumbers raw in salads, yogurt dips, or sandwiches, or turn them into tangy Persian pickles in London style for a true homemade treat. Even if you live in a flat, you can grow them easily in pots, balcony boxes, or small garden spaces. The mini varieties are especially well-suited for London’s urban environment.