Cucumis sativus 'Telegraph'
vegetableLong, slender, virtually seedless cucumbers with thin edible skin and a sweet, never-bitter flavor. The standard grocery-store seedless cucumber, originally developed for European greenhouse production. Grows well outdoors in warm seasons and does not need peeling.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 2 days
Harvest
~65 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 feeding every 3 weeks
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer; potassium-heavy formula once fruiting
Plant in warm soil after last frost. English cucumbers are best trellised vertically, which keeps fruit straight and reduces disease. They are parthenocarpic, meaning fruit sets without pollination, so they grow well in enclosed tunnels. Keep soil evenly moist. Inconsistent watering causes bitter fruit. Remove any misshapen fruit early so energy goes to better-formed cucumbers.
Start seeds indoors
Mar 25
Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
Projected first harvest
Jul 3
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
Yellow sticky traps; kaolin clay coating on young plants; row cover until bloom
Choose resistant varieties; good airspace; potassium bicarbonate spray
Control aphid vectors; remove infected plants promptly
Avoid overhead irrigation; copper spray at first symptom
Harvest at 12 to 14 inches for standard size, or up to 18 inches. Skin should be dark green and firm. Do not allow yellowing. This signals overripeness. Pick every 2 to 3 days. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate; best within 5 days.
Very low in calories; high water content keeps you hydrated. Provides vitamin K, copper, and small amounts of B vitamins. The thin skin retains more nutrients than peeled cucumbers.
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.