SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Straight Eight

Cucumber
Zone 7a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Straight Eight to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Straight Eight
56d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsApr 6th
Last FrostApr 20th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsApr 20th
Harvest BeginsJun 15th
Harvest EndsOct 20th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity56
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitVine
Support NeededTrellis
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)65
Min Night Temp (°F)55
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Straight Eight in Zone 7a typically begins around 2026-04-20. Wait until soil reaches at least 65°F before transplanting Straight Eight.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 7a, the average last spring frost is around April 20. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Straight Eight.

Recommended Companions

Dukat Dill Dill
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Tip Top Mahogany Nasturtium
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Tetra Dill Dill
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Jewel Of Africa Nasturtium
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Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Botanical illustration of Straight Eight

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.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Straight Eight in Zone 7a typically begins around 2026-04-20. Wait until soil reaches at least 65°F before transplanting Straight Eight.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 7a, the average last spring frost is around April 20. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Straight Eight.

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.