Summer Dance

Cucumber

Zone 4b Save Garden

🌱 55d to harvest Vine

Crisp as morning dew, ‘Summer Dance’ delivers a clean, refreshing crunch with a notably mild, burpless character—no harsh bite, j…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 29th
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 13th
Harvest Begins	Jul 7th
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	85
Min Soil Temp (°F)	70
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Superdukat Dill

Tetra Dill Dill

Hera Dill

Taishan Yellow Marigold

Marigold Marigold

Bouquet Dill Dill

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Cucumis sativus (cucumber) in summer, and how can I control it?

Look for powdery mildew (white powdery spots on leaves) and start control as soon as you see spotting, because it quickly spreads in warm, humid weather. Water at the base and avoid wetting foliage, then remove the most heavily infected leaves to slow spread. If needed, spray a labeled sulfur-based or potassium bicarbonate mildew product and repeat according to the label, targeting leaf undersides.

How often should I water Cucumis sativus during peak growth to keep fruits from turning bitter or hollow?

During the main flowering-to-fruiting phase, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 deeper sessions if it’s hot or windy. Let the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) dry slightly before the next watering, and use mulch to stabilize moisture. Uneven watering is a common cause of bitterness and misshapen fruit in cucumbers.

How do I tell when Cucumis sativus ‘Summer Dance’ is ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are firm and reach the variety’s typical cucumber size—do a gentle daily check once plants start producing, since cucumbers can grow fast. Pick at the point where the skin is still fairly thin and you can pierce it lightly with a fingernail; fruits left to overgrow often become seedy and tougher. Expect harvest to begin around 55 days from sowing and continue for several weeks with regular picking.

Crisp as morning dew, ‘Summer Dance’ delivers a clean, refreshing crunch with a notably mild, burpless character—no harsh bite, just bright cucumber flavor. The slender, dark-green fruits grow with an elegant, straight-to-lightly tapered silhouette and a tender, juicy texture that stays pleasantly crisp. Ideal for fresh garden enjoyment, this variety shines in cool salads and quick pickling projects alike, bringing a steady harvest from midsummer onward.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 70°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 the best burpless taste and reduced bitterness, keep soil moisture consistent and pick young (slicing-size) fruit every 1–2 days once they start.