Fourth-Generation Farmers Keep Vienna's Cucumber Legacy Alive
Vienna-Simmering remains the heart of Austria’s cucumber production, with nearly 60 percent of the country’s supply grown in the area. Among the local growers, Monika and Andreas Ableidinger stand out as fourth-generation market gardeners. Their family business specialises in mini and salad cucumbers, continuing a tradition that stretches back decades. Andreas Ableidinger began working as a gardener at just 15, following his family’s long-standing trade. Together with his wife Monika, he now manages over 55,000 cucumber plants across 3.3 hectares of greenhouses. Their team of 15 employees ensures the crops thrive year-round.
Planting starts in the third week of January, with the first harvest arriving by mid-February. The season runs until early November, with cucumbers picked by hand to maintain quality. To protect the plants, the Ableidingers use drip irrigation for precise watering and beneficial insects to control pests naturally.
The Simmering greenhouses sit just one kilometre from the LGV Market Gardeners’ Produce cooperative headquarters. This proximity helps streamline distribution, keeping fresh cucumbers on Austrian tables. Many families in the area, like the Ableidingers, have cultivated flavourful vegetables for generations. The Ableidingers’ approach combines tradition with modern techniques, ensuring a steady supply of cucumbers for much of the year. Their greenhouses, along with others in Simmering, play a key role in meeting Austria’s demand for locally grown produce. The family’s dedication keeps the region’s reputation as a cucumber-growing hub firmly intact.
