Excelsior

Cucumber

Zone 4a Save Garden

🌱 50d to harvest Vine

Sink your fingers into Excelsior’s crisp, cool flesh—an inviting crunch with a clean, refreshing flavor that tastes bright from t…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 29th
Harvest Begins	Jul 18th
Harvest Ends	Sep 24th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
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

Vesuvius Nasturtium

Milkmaid Nasturtium

African Marigold Marigold

Bouquet Dill Dill

Peach Melba Nasturtium

Fernleaf Dill Dill

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common cucumber (Cucumis sativus) pest or disease, and how do I control it in my garden?

Powdery mildew is one of the most common cucumber diseases, showing up as a white, dusty coating on leaves. Improve airflow by spacing plants and keep foliage as dry as possible with water directed at the soil. If you see early patches, spray a labeled sulfur-based fungicide and remove the most heavily affected leaves to slow spread.

How often should I water Cucumis sativus during its main growing phase to keep fruiting well?

During active vining and fruit production, keep soil consistently moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply 2–3 times per week rather than light daily watering, so moisture reaches the root zone. Inconsistent watering can lead to bitter or misshapen cucumbers, so mulch helps stabilize moisture.

How can I tell when Cucumis sativus “Excelsior” is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are firm and have reached the expected size for your cultivar, typically around 50 days from sowing. Look for cucumbers that are still crisp and evenly green; if they start to yellow, bulge, or feel soft, they’re likely overmature. Pick regularly (often every 1–3 days) to encourage continued production.

Sink your fingers into Excelsior’s crisp, cool flesh—an inviting crunch with a clean, refreshing flavor that tastes bright from the first bite. This Beit Alpha cucumber forms straight, well-filled fruits with a smooth, dark-green skin and a satisfying snap, ideal for slicing fresh and for turning into vivid, tangy preserves. Grow Excelsior for dependable, early-season performance and a garden-to-plate harvest that feels as lively as it looks.

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 pickling cucumbers, harvest small (about 2–4 inches) every 1–2 days to keep vines producing.