Plant Profile: Straight Eight Cucumber

Straight Eight Cucumber

Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus

Plant Type: Annual

Difficulty: Easy

Sun: Full Sun

Height: 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) with vines reaching 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m)

Seeds Produced: Approximately 200-500 seeds per mature cucumber

What Is It?

Straight Eight is a classic heirloom slicing cucumber introduced in the United States during the 1930s. It produces uniform, dark green cucumbers approximately 8 inches (20 cm) long with crisp, mild, and refreshing flesh. Known for its dependable yields and excellent flavor, Straight Eight remains one of the most popular cucumber varieties grown by home gardeners.

Historical Uses

Developed through careful selection by American growers, Straight Eight was introduced by the W. Atlee Burpee Company in 1935 and later became an All-America Selections winner in 1938. Since then, it has become a garden favorite due to its reliability, disease resistance, and versatility. Cucumbers themselves have been cultivated for over 3,000 years, originating in India before spreading throughout Asia, Europe, and eventually North America.

Growing Information

Sun Requirements: Full sun (8+ hours daily)

Soil Requirements: Rich, fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter

Water Requirements: Moderate to high. Maintain consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development.

Plant Height: 12-24 inches (30-60 cm)

Vine Length: 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m)

Spacing: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Germination Time: 5-10 days

Time to Harvest: 55-70 days

Where Should It Be Grown?

✓ Raised Beds

✓ Directly in Garden Soil

✓ Large Containers (minimum 10-15 gallons)

✓ Community Gardens

✓ Trellised Gardens

Straight Eight performs exceptionally well when grown vertically on a trellis, improving airflow, reducing disease, producing straighter fruit, and making harvesting easier.

Wildlife Protection: Recommended. Rabbits, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and groundhogs may feed on seedlings and developing cucumbers. Fencing or netting is often beneficial.

How to Grow

Direct sow seeds after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 18°C (65°F), or start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting.

Plant seeds approximately ½-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) deep. Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season and mulch around plants to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvest cucumbers regularly to encourage continued flowering and fruit production.

Harvesting

Harvest fruits when they are approximately 8 inches (20 cm) long, firm, and deep green. Overripe cucumbers become larger, develop tougher skin, and produce larger seeds.

For seed saving, allow one or two cucumbers to fully mature on the vine until they become large, yellow-orange, and soft.

Seed Collection & Storage

Collection Method:

Cut open fully mature cucumbers and scoop out the seeds along with their surrounding gel. Place the mixture into a container with a small amount of water and allow it to ferment for 2-3 days. This process removes the germination-inhibiting gel coating.

Rinse the cleaned seeds thoroughly and spread them in a single layer to dry completely for 1-2 weeks before storage.

Storage Method:

Store seeds in a non-bleached paper envelope, amber glass jar, or airtight container in a cool, dark, dry location.

Seed Viability:

Approximately 5-6 years when properly stored.

Nutritional Benefits

Straight Eight cucumbers are an excellent source of:

• Vitamin K

• Vitamin C

• Potassium

• Magnesium

• Dietary fiber

• Antioxidants

• Water (approximately 95% of the fruit)

They are naturally low in calories while providing excellent hydration.

Additional Benefits

• Highly productive heirloom variety

• Excellent for fresh eating and salads

• Suitable for pickling when harvested young

• Ideal for vertical gardening

• Pollinator-friendly flowers

• Easy for beginner gardeners

• Fast-growing and reliable

• Excellent crop for food banks and community gardens

Interesting Fact

Cucumbers naturally contain compounds called cucurbitacins, which help protect the plant from insects and herbivores. Plant breeders have selected varieties like Straight Eight to produce fruits with very low levels of these compounds, resulting in the mild, sweet flavor gardeners enjoy today.