Straight Eight Cucumber Seeds

Straight Eight Cucumber is a classic slicing variety prized for its uniform shape and dependable performance. As the name suggests, this cucumber produces smooth, straight fruits with a small seed cavity and crisp, fine-textured flesh. Introduced in the 1930s and recognized as an All-America Selections winner, Straight Eight is known for its heavy yields and reliable quality. The mild, slightly sweet flavor makes it an excellent choice for fresh slicing, salads, and everyday garden use.

Seed Packet Details

• Packet Size: Standard home-garden seed packet (Approx. 25 seeds)

Packed with care and shipped from Kentucky.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus
Variety: Slicing Cucumber
Seed Type: Open-pollinated
Life Cycle: Annual

What to Expect

This slicing cucumber produces vigorous vines that deliver smooth, green fruits ideal for fresh eating. Plants typically reach 8–12 inches in height but spread readily and benefit from trellising for cleaner fruit and improved airflow. Fruits develop with a crisp texture and mild, refreshing flavor, making them well suited for salads, sandwiches, and fresh snacks. This variety is known for reliable performance and resistance to cucumber mosaic virus.

Growing Basics

• Sun: Full sun

• Plant Height: 8–12 inches

• Sow Method: Direct sow recommended

• Sow Depth: 1/2 inch

• Plant Spacing: About 12 inches

• Row Spacing: Allow ample space or trellis support for vines

• Growing Style: Trellis recommended

• Season: Main season crop

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 65 days

Growing Guide: Cucumbers

Overview

Cucumbers are a versatile garden crop grown for fresh eating, pickling, and more. Varieties differ widely in shape, size, and flavor, but all cucumbers thrive when given warmth, sunlight, and consistent moisture. With proper care, plants produce quickly and abundantly throughout the season.

Before Planting

Cucumbers require warm conditions and do not tolerate cold soil or frost. For best results, wait until both soil and air temperatures have warmed before planting. Cucumbers grow best in fertile, well-drained soil and benefit from steady moisture to support healthy vines and well-shaped fruit. Neutral soil conditions, around a pH of 7.0, are ideal.

Planting

Cucumbers may be direct sown outdoors or started indoors for transplanting.

Direct Sowing

• Plant only after soil temperatures reach 70°F or warmer

• Seeds should be planted about 1/2 inch deep

• Space plants about 12 inches apart

• Allow ample room for vines or plan for trellis support

Starting Indoors

• Start seeds 3–4 weeks before planting outdoors

• Sow 1–2 seeds per container, thinning to the strongest seedling

• Keep seedlings warm during germination and early growth

• Transplant carefully to avoid disturbing roots

Biodegradable pots can help reduce transplant shock when moving plants into the garden.

Watering

Cucumbers need consistent moisture to grow evenly. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, increasing during hot or dry weather. Uneven watering can lead to misshapen or bitter fruit, so regular watering is important.

Fertilizing

Cucumbers benefit from nutrient-rich soil. Mixing compost into the soil at planting time helps support early growth. During the season, occasional feeding with a balanced or organic fertilizer can help maintain steady production. Apply fertilizer near the base of the plant and avoid overfeeding.

Days to Maturity

Once cucumbers begin producing, fruit develops quickly. Refer to individual varieties for expected maturity times.

Harvesting

Harvest cucumbers frequently once fruiting begins.

• Pick fruit while it is firm and evenly colored

• Regular harvesting encourages continued production

• Fruit can grow rapidly, so checking plants often is recommended

Growing Tips

Training cucumber vines on a trellis or cage helps keep fruit clean, improves airflow, and can increase yields while reducing excess foliage.