1# STRAIGHT EIGHT CUCUMBER

Straight Eight Cucumber is a classic, dependable open‑pollinated slicing cucumber, famous for its straight, uniform fruit and mild, refreshing flavor. It has been a home‑garden favorite for decades.

Straight Eight Cucumber — Seed Information

Quick Overview

• Type: Slicing cucumber (vining)

• Fruit length: ~8 inches

• Skin: Medium green, smooth

• Flavor: Mild, crisp, classic cucumber taste

• Use: Fresh slicing, salads

• Days to maturity: ~58–65 days

• Pollination: Open‑pollinated (good for seed saving)

Why gardeners grow Straight Eight

• ✅ Uniform, straight fruit (the “eight” refers to inches long)

• ✅ Mild, non‑bitter flavor when properly watered

• ✅ Reliable producer and easy to grow

• ✅ Open‑pollinated—you can save seed

• ✅ Performs well in ground gardens or trellised

Growing from seed

• Planting time: After last frost, when soil is at least 65°F

• Seed depth: ½–1 inch

• Spacing:

  • Hills: 2–3 plants per hill, hills 3–4 ft apart

  • Rows: 36–48 inches apart

• Sun: Full sun

• Soil: Rich, well‑drained, high in organic matter

• Water: Even, consistent moisture is critical to prevent bitterness

• Support: Trellis recommended for straighter fruit and better air flow

Harvesting

• Harvest when fruit is 7–8 inches long

• Pick every 1–2 days to keep plants producing

• Overgrown fruit becomes seedy and slows production

Kitchen notes

• Excellent fresh slicing cucumber

• Crisp texture for salads and sandwiches

• Typically peeled if skins are mature

• Not intended for pickling