Cucumber Seeds - Spacemaster 80 - Cucumis sativus

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zone Growing Guide

USDA Zones 3-11 - 'Spacemaster 80' grows as a warm-season annual across all zones. Planting times must be adjusted according to local last frost dates and soil temperature to ensure successful germination and growth.

Best Performance in Zones 4-10 - These zones provide long, warm summers, which are ideal for maximum fruit production and an extended harvest period through early fall.

Northern Zones (3-5) - Start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost or direct sow them once the soil consistently reaches 65F. Using season extenders like row covers can help maximize the growing season in areas with shorter summers.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - In these zones, plant in early spring for a summer harvest. For desert regions with extreme summer heat, a late summer planting can yield a fall crop. Providing afternoon shade can also help prevent stress during the hottest months.

Soil Temperature - 'Spacemaster 80' requires a soil temperature of at least 60F for germination across all zones, with the optimal range being 65-75F for quick sprouting and strong plant establishment.

Growing Season - This variety needs 90-120 frost-free days to reach its full production potential, making it suitable for all zones when planted at the appropriate time relative to local frost dates.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

1. Soil Preparation
Choose a location that receives full sun, ideally 6-8 hours a day. Cucumbers thrive in rich, well-draining soil. Amend the soil with plenty of compost or aged manure to improve fertility and moisture retention. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.8.

2. Direct Sowing
Cucumbers are sensitive to transplanting, so it is best to direct sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 65F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 24-36 inches apart in rows. If planting in hills, sow 4-5 seeds per hill, spacing hills 3-4 feet apart. Once seedlings have their first true leaves, thin to 2-3 plants per hill.

3. Watering
Consistent moisture is crucial for healthy cucumber plants and to prevent bitter fruit. Water deeply and regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

4. Fertilization
Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer, or use a liquid feed like compost tea. Once the plants begin to flower, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium to encourage fruiting. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to lush leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.

5. Container Gardening
'Spacemaster' is an excellent choice for containers due to its compact habit. Use a pot that is at least 10 inches in diameter with drainage holes. A high-quality potting mix is essential. Water more frequently than you would for in-ground plants, as containers dry out faster. Fertilize regularly to replace nutrients lost from frequent watering.

6. Harvesting
Harvest cucumbers when they are 6-8 inches long and firm. Check plants daily once they start producing. The more you pick, the more the plant will produce. To harvest, use a knife or clippers to cut the stem just above the fruit, avoiding pulling on the vine which can damage the plant.