Straight 8 Cucumber

Grow perfectly straight, dark green slicing cucumbers with Straight 8 – the award-winning heirloom variety that produces uniform, 8-inch fruits with crisp texture and refreshing flavor. This reliable variety earned the All-America Selections award in 1935 and remains a garden favorite for fresh eating, salads, and sandwiches.

Growing Information

• Days to maturity: 55-65 days from direct sowing
• Planting: Direct sow after last frost when soil temperature reaches 65°F; plant seeds 1 inch deep, 12 inches apart, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting
• Spacing: Rows 4-6 feet apart, or grow on trellises with 12-18 inch spacing
• Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
• Zones: 3-11 (warm-season annual)

Harvest & Use

Pick cucumbers when they're 6-8 inches long and uniformly dark green for peak flavor and crunch. Harvest regularly – every 1-2 days during peak production – to encourage continued fruiting and prevent over-mature fruits. Perfect for fresh eating, slicing into salads, making cucumber water, or adding to sandwiches and wraps. The crisp, mild flavor and tender skin make these ideal for fresh consumption. Each plant produces dozens of cucumbers throughout the season.

Care Tips

Straight 8 cucumbers thrive in warm, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Water consistently and deeply – cucumbers need about 1-2 inches of water per week, especially during flowering and fruiting. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and prevent soil-borne diseases. Growing on trellises saves space, improves air circulation, and produces straighter fruits. Companion plant with beans, corn, peas, or sunflowers for optimal garden health.

Why Choose Straight 8

This time-tested variety offers exceptional uniformity, disease resistance, and reliable performance that's made it a garden staple for nearly 90 years. Whether you're growing for fresh eating or want consistent, attractive cucumbers for market or sharing, Straight 8 delivers superior quality and productivity that justifies its legendary status among slicing cucumbers.