Cucumber Seeds - Straight 8

Popular, High-Yielding Variety for Crisp, Straight Cucumbers

Straight 8 cucumbers are a classic, heirloom variety known for their uniform size and straight shape. This variety is perfect for home gardeners and market growers who want a reliable cucumber that’s easy to harvest, store, and use for fresh eating or pickling. Straight 8 cucumbers have a crisp texture and a mildly sweet flavor, making them a favorite in salads, sandwiches, and fresh platters. Their excellent disease resistance and high productivity make them a dependable choice for your garden.

Key Benefits

• Straight, Uniform Fruit: As the name suggests, Straight 8 cucumbers are known for their straight, uniform shape and smooth, dark green skin.
• Crisp, Mild Flavor: These cucumbers have a crisp texture and mildly sweet flavor, making them ideal for fresh eating and pickling.
• Disease Resistance: Straight 8 cucumbers show good resistance to common cucumber diseases like cucumber mosaic virus and powdery mildew, leading to a healthier, more productive crop.
• High Yield: This variety produces high yields of consistent, 8-inch-long cucumbers, making it a great option for both small home gardens and larger commercial plots.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for slicing, pickling, or even preserving in jars, Straight 8 cucumbers are incredibly versatile.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Spring/Summer: Plant cucumber seeds after the last frost and when soil temperatures have reached at least 60°F (15°C).

Planting Details

• Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space seeds about 12 inches apart in rows that are 36-48 inches apart to allow proper airflow and space for the vines to grow.
• Light: Requires full sun, so ensure the planting area receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Soil: Prefer loamy, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0).

Watering and Care

• Watering: Cucumbers need consistent moisture to develop plump, juicy fruits. Keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging. Drip irrigation works best to keep foliage dry and prevent disease.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and again during the growing season to promote strong growth and high yields.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, prevent weeds, and keep the roots cool.
• Pruning: Prune side shoots to help control growth and improve air circulation around the plants, reducing the risk of fungal infections.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Straight 8 cucumbers are typically ready to harvest in 55-60 days from planting.
• Harvest Time: Pick cucumbers when they are about 6-8 inches long for the best flavor and texture. Regular harvesting will encourage the plants to continue producing.

Uses

• Fresh Eating: With their crisp texture and mild flavor, Straight 8 cucumbers are perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, and snacks.
• Pickling: Straight 8 cucumbers are ideal for pickling, making flavorful and crunchy pickles.
• Slicing: The uniform shape and smooth skin make Straight 8 cucumbers perfect for slicing on vegetable platters or in stir-fries.

Coverage

• Packet: One packet of Straight 8 cucumber seeds will cover about 50-75 square feet, depending on the planting density.

Why Choose Straight 8 Cucumbers?

Straight 8 cucumbers are an easy-to-grow, high-yielding variety that thrives in many garden conditions. Their straight shape, mild flavor, and disease resistance make them a favorite for gardeners who want a dependable crop of crisp cucumbers throughout the season. Whether you're growing for fresh eating or pickling, Straight 8 cucumbers will provide you with a bountiful harvest.