Long & Slender dark green cucumber. 8"-9" fruit that can be used for eating or pickling, crisp and mildly sweet. Fruit resists bitterness even in hotter weather. Most popular open-pollinated cucumber variety.
Direct sow 3-6 seeds 12 mm-2.5 cm (½-1")deep in hills. Space hills 1.2-1.5 m (4-5') apart each way and thin to the strongest 3 seedlings per hill. If rows are preferred direct sow 3-6 seeds 12 mm-2.5 cm (½-1")deep 20-30 cm (9-12”) apart in rows 90 cm (36") apart and thin to strongest plant every 30 cm (12”). Use a trellis if available as cucumber likes to climb. For transplants, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before last spring frost, placing 3-4 seeds 12 mm (1/2") deep in fair sized pots. Keep the temperature at least 21-26˚C (70-80˚F). When two or three leaves appear on each plant, cut off all but the strongest plant with scissors. Before planting them in the garden, "harden" the seedlings by setting them outside during the day for an hour and longer each day afterwards. They should be planted no sooner than a week after the last spring frost, when the air temperatures consistently average 18-24˚C (65-75˚ F). Transplant to hills or rows and install trellis if available.
Soil Conditions: Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8.
