Cucumis sativus 'Diva'
vegetableA modern seedless slicing cucumber that sets fruit without pollination (parthenocarpic). Smooth, straight, dark green fruits 7 to 9 inches long with thin edible skin and a mild, sweet, never-bitter flavor. An excellent choice for enclosed spaces like high tunnels or when pollinator activity is unreliable. Award-winning variety for flavor and disease resistance.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 2 days
Harvest
~58 days
Difficulty
medium
Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
Spacing
12-18 in (trellised)
Planting Depth
1/2-1 in
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual. This range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At planting; light balanced feeding every 3 weeks
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10 or fish emulsion at moderate rate
Direct sow or transplant after last frost. Because Diva sets fruit without pollination, it can be grown under row cover for its entire life, which also protects against cucumber beetles. Trellis for straight fruits and disease prevention. Very uniform, productive vines. Pick every 2 to 3 days at 7 to 9 inches. Diva has excellent resistance to powdery mildew and angular leaf spot.
Start seeds indoors
Mar 25
Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
Projected first harvest
Jun 26
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Row cover for entire season since Diva needs no pollination; kaolin clay if grown uncovered
Diva is highly resistant; ensure good airflow if mildew appears; neem oil as needed
Reflective mulch; insecticidal soap; introduce lacewings
Overhead misting in heat; neem oil spray every 7 days
Pick at 7 to 9 inches when skin is uniformly dark green and glossy. Do not wait for yellow-green coloring. This signals overripeness. Twist gently off the vine. Refrigerate wrapped in plastic for up to 1 week. Diva cucumbers are exceptionally crisp and sweet eaten the same day as harvest.
Very low in calories; high water content. Good source of vitamin K, copper, and potassium. Thin skin adds fiber and silica compared to peeled cucumbers. Mild flavor makes it ideal for green smoothies and spa water.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.