Bush Champion

Cucumber

Zone 12a Save Garden

🌱 55d to harvest Bush

Crisp and cool from the first bite, Bush Champion delivers a clean, refreshing crunch with a classic cucumber sweetness and a smo…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 25th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 8th
Harvest Begins	Mar 4th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	12

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Bush Champion plants wilting and developing gray, fuzzy spots on leaves or stems, and how can I stop it?

Bush Champion commonly gets gray mold (Botrytis) when leaves stay wet and airflow is poor. Remove affected leaves or cut back diseased stems immediately, then space plants to improve airflow and water at the base only. If it keeps spreading, apply a labeled fungicide for Botrytis/gray mold and repeat according to the label, especially during cool, humid weather (often around 55–65°F at night).

How often should I water Bush Champion during the main growing phase (after germination) to keep it thriving?

During the main growth phase, water to keep the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy—typically about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 watering days. If you can press a fingertip into the soil and it’s dry below 1 inch, water deeply; if it’s wet or squishy, hold off to prevent root problems and leaf diseases. Reduce watering slightly as harvest approaches so pods or fruits don’t split or degrade quickly.

How can I tell when Bush Champion is ready to harvest (at about 55 days)?

Start checking around day 55 for fully developed pods/heads that match the cultivar’s expected size and color, with a firm feel and no lingering “small” sections. Harvest promptly when they look at peak quality—if you wait too long, the outer parts can become tough and plants may slow production. Use a quick “gentle twist or cut” test: pieces should come off cleanly without tearing the plant.

Crisp and cool from the first bite, Bush Champion delivers a clean, refreshing crunch with a classic cucumber sweetness and a smooth, dark-green skin. Compact and vigorous in the garden, it produces straight, slicing-ready fruit with a tender interior and excellent eating quality at peak size. Grow it for abundant fresh slices and vibrant, garden-fresh flavor—ideal for salads, bright garnishes, and quick pickling-style preserves.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 12 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For the crunchiest fruit, keep soil evenly moist and harvest frequently once fruits reach usable size.