Spacemaster 80 Cucumber Seeds For Planting (Cucumis sativus)

Description

Save some space in the garden by growing the Spacemaster Cucumber, from freshly harvested Cucumis sativus seeds. Spacemaster is a heirloom variety that produces compact vines, growing from 18 to 24 inches long. Their shorter growth habit makes them a popular pick for large pots or containers and hanging baskets. Spacemaster is a great variety for those who have little to no gardening space, since the plants can be established on balconies, decks and porches. A perfect selection for those of you living in apartments!

The fruits of Spacemaster have a dark green outer skin. When sliced open, their lighter green flesh is tasty and refreshing. The oblong fruits can be picked early for pickling, or allowed to grow to their maximum length of 7 or 8 inches long. When picked at maturity, you can slice them up and enjoy them raw, or add them to salads as well. This variety does well in the heat of summer and is resistant to cucumber mosaic virus.

Cucumbers taste great in salads, and most varieties are pickled as well. There are several health benefits that you may be interested in learning about, when it comes to consuming cucumbers. Some of these benefits include, reduced risk of cancer, reduced inflammation, fresher breath and benefits in weight loss. For more information on the benefits of eating cucumbers such as this, check out this article.

Sowing The Seed

Cucumbers, like most vegetables, can be started indoors, or directly outdoors as well. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow 1 seed per peat pot, at a depth of 1/2" under topsoil. Provide a small stake for newly established plants. Transplant entire pots, or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Check "Germination & Growth" for additional information on growth habits and spacing.

Growing Conditions

Cucumbers will enjoy the heat of summer, and require temperatures of at least 65F or higher. The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter and well draining as well. To increase drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water the soil daily so that the plants receive an ample amount of moisture, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause your plants to become waterlogged.

Germination & Growth

Cucumber seeds typically take anywhere between 7 to 10 days to successfully germinate. The plants will grow to a vining length of roughly 2 feet long, but can be better maintained when grown vertically, through the use of a trellis or other support. The plants can be established on hills, versus rows, sowing 4 seeds per hill, directing the vines away from one another. Keep in mind that Spacemaster is also great in large pots & containers as well. If grown in the garden, space each hill about 4 feet apart. Cucumbers are a delicious additive to many fresh, garden salads and are often times enjoyed raw as well.

Harvesting Your Spacemaster Cucumbers

Spacemaster Cucumbers will give you the best of both worlds, as a pickling variety and consumed fresh as a slicing variety. Harvest smaller fruits when they are 3 to 5 inches long to pickle, or at their mature size of 7 to 8 inches for slicing. If harvested at maturity, you should know that because of their high water content, the fruits won't last more than 1 week before needing to be tossed.