Cucumis sativus 5-7 in. Tender Annual
5-7 in. Excellent flavor whether pickled or fresh. Thin-skinned and never bitter. Our best flavored salad cuke. Vines bear extremely early and were the most productive in our field variety trials. Adaptable to a variety of climates. Organic. OP.
Planting Depth: 1/2"
Soil Temp. for Germ.: 70-90°F
Days to Germ.: 4-12
Plant Spacing: 2' - 3'
Days to Maturity: 50-60
Full Sun/Partial Shade Moderate Water
Cucumis sativus: Native to Africa and Asia, cucumbers were cultivated in India as long as 3000 years ago. One of the most domesticated crops, cucumber breeders strive to improve quality and disease resistance in this very popular garden vegetable.
CULTURE: For the best yields, it is important to provide ideal growing conditions for cucumbers. If the weather is not warm and dry, vines grow slow and plants tend to fall prey to disease. Wait to direct sow or transplant until soil temperatures are 60°F or warmer. Seeds will emerge in 4-9 days if soil temperature is 70-95°F. For best germination, keep the soil lightly moist but not too wet.
TO DIRECT SOW: We recommend raised beds. They improve drainage, warm up earlier, and increase the root zone depth. Sow in groups of 4-6 seeds in raised beds or hills. Plant seed 1/2 inch deep, and space the groups about 3 feet apart in all directions. Under each group of seeds, work 1/2-1 cup of our complete fertilizer into the soil. After the seed is up and growing, thin to 1-2 plants per group or hill.
FOR TRANSPLANTS: In short-season climates, starting seed indoors can be necessary. Cucumber transplants don't like their roots disturbed, so start them in individual peat pots at least 3 1/2 inches across. Fill pots with a sterile seedling mix and plant seed 1/2 inch deep. After they've emerged, place the seedlings in a sunny, warm spot. They should only be about 3 weeks old when transplanted in the garden. Harden off about a week in a cold frame if you have one. Set whole peat pots in the soil, making sure the entire pot rim is below the soil line. If any part is above ground, it will wick moisture away from the roots and weaken plants. Space and fertilize as described above for direct sowing.
MULCHES & PLANT COVERS: These materials have proven to help plants grow faster, flower sooner, and yield more fruit. We recommend green or silver mulch, plus a floating row cover of Grow Guard 20 or Reemay early in the season to achieve these results.
DISEASE: Where disease is a known problem, choose resistant varieties. Remove plant refuse and control insect pests. Consult your local county extension agent for disease specifics.
INSECTS/PESTS: Control striped and spotted cucumber beetles with Rotenone or Rotenone-Pyrethrin; apply regularly as long as beetles are evident. They primarily infect plants with bacterial wilt disease, which is devastating to plants. Keep border areas of the garden mowed.
HARVEST: Keep your cucumbers picked, and they'll keep producing. When stored at 40°F and 95% relative humidity, they may last up to 3 weeks. Chickens like big cucumbers.
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PURCHASED: 1.5g from Seeds of Change
STARTED SEED: Good Friday 04/10/09. Sprouted on Easter Sunday 04/12/09. Two days! Started these much later then I should've. Hope to fix that next year.
HARDENED OFF:
TRANSPLANTED IN GARDEN:
DISEASE ISSUES:
INSECT ISSUES:
HARVEST YEILD & DURATION:
OTHER NOTES:
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