Margarita (F1) Cucumber Seed

Why grow under cover

A tunnel or greenhouse lets you control fruit quality and pick both earlier and later in the year. Culture is much like field cucumbers, but seedlings are started earlier and may need extra light and heat to stay strong. Parthenocarpic varieties, which set fruit without pollination, are the best choice indoors; kept apart from seeded types, they bear seedless fruit.

Days to maturity

Counted from direct sowing. Transplants are ready about 10 days sooner.

Starting transplants

Sow 1–2 seeds per cell in 50-cell trays 3–4 weeks before planting. A heat mat holding 80–85°F (27–29°C) gives quick, even emergence; afterwards keep days at 73–76°F (23–24°C) and nights no lower than 70°F (21°C).

Transplanting

Plant when seedlings have about 3 true leaves and before they stretch. Two rows per bed with 12–18" between plants is typical, adjusted for variety, climate, disease pressure and pruning style. Handle roots as little as possible. Roots are happiest at 65–70°F (18–21°C), though grafted plants tolerate cooler soil. Hold about 75°F (24°C) day and night for the first week, then lower nights to about 65°F (18°C) from fruit set.

Trellising and pruning

Clip each plant to a vertical string, about 1" below every third leaf, and remove side shoots at each node without nicking the young fruit. Keep the strings tight and keep at least 3–4 clips on each, moving the lowest ones up as you go. A lower-and-lean or lower-and-coil system suits a long season with a sturdy structure and enough labor; the umbrella system suits very short seasons or small crews. On grafted plants, remove any scion roots and rootstock shoots.

Disease

Humid, still air drives most greenhouse cucumber diseases, especially powdery mildew. Vent well and space plants for airflow, and strip lower leaves to keep the canopy open. Rotate where possible, clear out crop residue, and choose resistant varieties.

Insect pests

Insect screening on vents and doors keeps pests out and stops bees from pollinating seedless types. Keeping cucumber beetles out also protects against bacterial wilt.

Harvest and storage

Thin-skinned fruit scuffs, cuts and bruises easily and loses water faster than field types, so pick and pack gently. Store at 50–55°F (10–13°C) and about 95% relative humidity.

Transplants

Plan on about 90 plants per 100 seeds.

Packet

30 seeds.

Seeds per lb.

About 16,000 on average.