The English cucumber is longer (up to 18") and thinner than traditional cucumbers, with very small, soft seeds. 'Telegraph Improved' was developed in the 1800s for growing in greenhouses, but is now a favorite of home gardeners for the long, thin-skinned, burpless fruits that add a cool, mild flavor and a snappy crunch to salads and sandwiches. Cucumbers develop best when grown on a trellis and get regular moisture while fruits are forming.
Features
- Family Cucurbitaceae
- Native Southern Asia
- Life Cycle Annual
- Plant Height Vine
Further Information
- Growing Conditions Frost Sensitive
Planting Cucumber
- Days to Maturity 60 days
- Plant Spacing A group of 2 seeds every 12"
- Light Required Full sun
- Plant Height Vine
- Planting Depth ½"
Coverage & Planting Details
| Coverage |
This packet sows up to 8 feet of trellised cucumbers. |
| Row Spacing |
36" |
| Seed Depth |
½" |
| Seed Spacing |
A group of 2 seeds every 12" |
| Thinning |
When 3 leaves, thin to 1 plant every 12" |
| Germination |
5–10 days |
| Start Indoors |
2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Cucumbers are sensitive to root disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots. |
| Direct Sow |
RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 70°–90°F. |
| Growing & Harvesting |
Pick, and pick some more! Overly mature cucumbers on the vine will slow production of new cucumbers. Cut the stem rather than pulling at the fruit, as stems are fragile. To increase the quality and storage time, once picked, immediately immerse in cold water to disperse "field heat". |
