Cucumber 'Marketmore 76' Organic Heirloom (20 seeds)
Organic Marketmore 76 cucumber seeds yield a smooth, refined, dark-green slicer with a crisp crunch and sweet flavour (makes great pickles). This is an early maturing cucumber that grows to 20-23cm (8-9") long with slightly shorter vines than other varieties so you can space them more densely and get a higher yield in a small garden. We found Marketmore 76 very productive in greenhouse trials as well as in raised beds. The small seed cavity can be quickly removed by running a spoon down the length of each side.
Approximately 20 seeds per packet
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Culture
• Cucumbers perform best in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH 5.5-7.0
• Consistent, even watering is critical for best plant growth and fruit development
• Raised beds, plastic mulch, and trellising can improve yields, keep fruit straight and scab free
• Incorporate a shovelful of compost and 1/4 cup of balanced organic slow release fertilizer and 1/4 cup of organic bone meal per hill
• Plant seeds in several successions every 3-4 weeks to enjoy continued harvest.
Direct Sowing
• For best germination, keep soil evenly moist but not too wet
• Cover hill with floating row covers or garden cloches, or a row cover to speed up germination
• Thin to the strongest 1-2 plants when first true leaves emerge
Transplanting
• Start indoors in 4 inch pots, 3-4 weeks before anticipated transplant date
• Avoid letting starts get root bound; transplant carefully as to not disturb roots
Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Striped and spotted cucumber beetles, aphids, squash bugs
• Insect control: Pyrethrin
• Common diseases: See chart below
• Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation, Zonix for Powdery Mildew
Harvest & Storage
• Consistent harvest will keep plants productive
• Store at 45°F and 95% relative humidity
• For pickling, harvest cukes when small, before seeds form