Cucumber

Basic Information

Seed Number

104

Seed Name

Cucumber

Variety

Straight 8

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Slicing cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 7

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jul 15

Plantable Months

April, May, June, July

Indoor Start

Apr 7 – Apr 14

Direct Sow

May 15 – Jul 15

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

4 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

5–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

58 days

Succession Planting

14 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-90°F

Planting Depth

1/2 in

Plant Spacing

12-18 in

Row Spacing

5-6 ft

Thin-To Spacing

12-18 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

About 1 in/week; maintain even moisture during flowering and fruiting

Soil Preference

Rich, fertile, well-drained soil high in organic matter

Minimum Container Size

5 gal with trellis

Plant Height

6-8 in foliage; vines spread 4-5 ft

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

Yes

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow or start indoors 2–3 weeks early
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 20 – Jul 20
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 50–75 days
Container Friendly: Yes, 5+ gal with trellis
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary
Succession / Reusable Notes: Succession sow every 2–3 weeks through mid-July.
Zone 6B Notes: Warm soil improves germination. Trellis to save space.
Companion Plants: Dill, beans, peas, corn, radish, nasturtium, marigold, calendula, sunflower
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Potatoes, aromatic herbs crowded at roots
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Direct sow after frost once soil is warm or start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Additional sowings through mid-July can provide later harvests.
Germination: Warm soil encourages rapid germination. Minimize root disturbance when transplanting.
Harvest: Harvest straight, dark-green fruits at approximately 6-8 inches before they become oversized or yellow. Pick frequently to maintain production.
Seed Saving: Straight 8 is an open-pollinated Cucumis sativus variety and will cross with other cucumbers. Isolate or hand-pollinate flowers for true seed.
Special Care: Trellising helps produce straighter fruit and improves airflow. Straight 8 is a classic 1935 All-America Selections winner.
Research Source: Burpee — https://www.burpee.com/cucumber-straight-eight-prod000699.html — 58-day maturity, 6-8 inch fruit, plant height, spread, full sun and direct-sow use
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/cucumbers/seedless-and-thin-skinned-cucumbers/diva-cucumber-seed-2198.html — general cucumber transplant timing, 1/2-inch depth, row spacing and maturity convention
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]