Straight Eight

Cucumber

Zone 2b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Straight Eight

🌱 56d to harvest Vine

Crisp as cool glass, Straight Eight cucumbers unfurl with a fresh, clean flavor and a tight, tender bite that stays pleasantly sn…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 1st
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 15th
Harvest Begins	Jul 10th
Harvest Ends	Aug 25th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	56
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Whirlybird Series Nasturtium

Milkmaid Nasturtium

Dwarf Jewel Mix Nasturtium

Elephant Dill

Vesuvius Nasturtium

Phoenix Nasturtium

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Cucumis sativus (Straight Eight) and how can I stop it?

Watch for powdery mildew, which commonly shows up on cucumber leaves as a white, dusty coating and can spread quickly during humid periods. At the first signs, remove the most affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing vines and pruning only lightly, and spray with a labeled fungicide for cucumbers if conditions stay wet/humid. Also avoid wetting foliage—water at the base—because leaf moisture helps the problem escalate.

How often should I water Straight Eight cucumbers during the main growing phase?

During active flowering and fruit set, keep the soil evenly moist with about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, increasing if you’re getting hot, dry weather. Water deeply at the base so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the top 1 inch of soil begin to dry slightly before the next watering. Inconsistent watering can cause bitter or misshapen cucumbers, especially once the plants are producing.

How do I tell when Straight Eight cucumbers are ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are firm, deep green, and about 6–8 inches long (roughly finger to hand length) and still have small, tender seeds. Check daily during peak production—if they turn yellow or grow larger than the typical picking size, the seeds toughen and the plant slows new fruit formation. Use a knife or snip to cut the cucumber from the vine to avoid tearing the plant.

Crisp as cool glass, Straight Eight cucumbers unfurl with a fresh, clean flavor and a tight, tender bite that stays pleasantly snappy. The fruit is characteristically straight and uniformly sized, with a dark green skin and a lightly bumpy, satiny surface that invites slicing for everyday freshness. Ideal for market-style slicing—grow a row for steady harvests and enjoy the garden’s cool, cucumber-scented abundance from early summer through the season’s peak.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 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 Straight Eight, warm soil and careful handling matter most—wait for consistently warm nights or use row cover to prevent early chilling and misshapen fruit.