Cucumber - Straight Eight

SKU:
CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
Unavailable
Approximately 40 seeds per gram.
Cucumis sativus
Lot# CU24626
Straight Eight Cucumbers are very dependable at producing prolific crops. These cucumbers are smooth, straight, deep green, 15-20 cm (6-8") long and 5-6 cm (2½”) wide with rounded blunt ends.  Early, vigorous and prolific, it tolerates mosaic virus well. It is a superb variety that has stood the test of time.  When mature, the plant height reaches around 30 cm, (12") without trellis and has vines that reach up to 1.8-2.4 m (6-8’).  Straight Eight has a climbing growth habit.   It makes a great slicing cucumber.
 Planting Instructions:
  • Direct sow 3-6 seeds 12 mm-2.5 cm (½-1") deep in hills. Space hills 1.2-1.5 m (4-5') apart each way and thin to the strongest 3 seedlings per hill. If rows are preferred direct sow 3-6 seeds 12 mm-2.5 cm (½-1") deep 20-30 cm (9-12”) apart in rows 90 cm (36") apart and thin to strongest plant every 30 cm (12”).  Use a trellis if available as cucumber like to climb.  For transplants, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before last spring frost, placing 3-4 seeds 12 mm (1/2") deep in fair sized pots. Keep the temperature at least 21-26˚C (70-80˚ F).  When two or three leaves appear on each plant, cut off all but the strongest plant with scissors. Before planting them in the garden, "harden" the seedlings by setting them outside during the day for an hour and longer each day afterwards. They should be planted no sooner than a week after the last spring frost, when the air temperatures consistently average 18-24˚C (65-75˚F).  Transplant to hills or rows and install trellis if available.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8. 
  • Planting Depth:  12 mm-2.5 cm (½-1") deep.
  • Germination:  8-10 days.
  • Height at Maturity:  Vining type that grows best on a trellis.  Straight Eight cucumbers will grow to about 30 cm (12”) high without trellis support.  Spread: 1 m (36”) 
  • Days to Maturity:   52-65 days for maturity from transplants.  
  • Watering:  2.5 cm (1") of water a week ensures good growth, whether they are grown in single or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week affects how much you should water your garden.  Keep soil consistently moist.  Inadequate or inconsistent watering may cause irregular growth and you may end up with oddly shaped cucumbers.  We utilize drip irrigation to keep leaves dry and slow disease development.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning:  30-45 cm (12-18") between plants in rows that are 121-152 cm (4-5’) apart.
Additional Information
Cucumbers love heat and cannot endure even a light frost.  If cold temperatures threaten, cover the seedlings. Since cucumbers love to climb, providing a trellis will save space in your garden and produce straighter cucumbers that are easier to pick; however, the vines will simply spread out over the ground if no trellis is provided. Some gardeners use a planting technique called the “3 sisters”, where they plant cucumbers or squash and climbing beans with corn, since the 3 plants types will benefit each other and the cucumber, squash and beans will climb the corn. Planting several radishes with cucumbers seems to repel damaging cucumber beetles.  Cucumbers do not like being planted near potatoes or aromatic herbs.