Marketmore 76 Cucumber
Marketmore 76 keeps its great flavor and color even under the blazing summer sun! This slicing cucumber variety is super productive and adapts well, plus it has fantastic disease resistance. The fruits are uniform, straight, and cylindrical, averaging 8" in length with no stippling. They resist CMV, DM, PM, and Scab, and take about 68 days to mature.
Historians mostly agree that cucumbers first sprouted in the Himalayan Mountains of India over 3,000 years ago. From there, they spread to Greece and Rome, with the Romans likely taking this veggie across Europe. Native Americans also grew cucumbers, influenced by Spanish and other explorers. Today, cucumbers remain a key ingredient in traditional dishes in Russia and various parts of Asia, where you can still find the widest range of colors and shapes of this vegetable in its Asian homeland. Marketmore cucumbers, in particular, were developed at Cornell University in New York by Dr. Henry Munger.
Cucumbers really don’t handle transplanting well, so it’s best to either start them early in peat pots or just plant them directly in the ground. If you’re starting indoors, do it about 2 weeks before the last frost, putting 3-4 seeds about 1/2" deep in each pot. Make sure the air temperature stays at least 80 degrees F. Once you see two or three leaves on each plant, snip off all but the strongest one with scissors. Before you plant them outside, you need to "harden" the seedlings by letting them spend some time outside during the day. They should go in the ground no sooner than a week after the last spring frost, when the air temperatures are consistently around 65-75 degrees F. If you’re planting in a hill, put three seedlings or 7-8 seeds in each hill and space the hills about 4-5' apart. If you prefer rows, plant the seedlings 1' apart or put 5 seeds in a foot and thin them out later. Cucumbers thrive in heat and can’t handle even a light frost, so if cold weather is coming, make sure to cover the seedlings. Since cucumbers love to climb, using a trellis can save space in your garden and help produce straighter cucumbers that are easier to pick; otherwise, the vines will just spread out on the ground. Some gardeners like to plant cucumbers alongside corn because the two plants help each other out, and the cucumbers will climb the corn. Planting a few radishes with cucumbers can help keep those pesky cucumber beetles away; however, cucumbers don’t like being near potatoes or strong-smelling herbs.
Marketmore cucumbers are known for being quite disease resistant. Keeping the soil consistently moist is crucial for growing great cucumbers; so make sure to maintain that moisture. Once the vines are established, adding mulch or straw can help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Keep an eye out for cucumber beetles and get rid of them right away to avoid any damage.
This black-spined cucumber variety has a slight taper and is great for pickling, but it’s also tasty when eaten fresh at a larger size. If you keep picking them throughout the season, you’ll get a really high yield. When the blossom end starts to turn yellow, it means the cucumber is no longer at its best. They store nicely in the fridge.
Cucumbers typically have both male and female flowers on the same plant and can cross with other cucumber varieties, so make sure to keep them separated to avoid cross-pollination. Let the cucumbers grow past the eating stage - they’ll get really soft, and their skin can change to white, brown, yellow, green, or orange, depending on the type. This process can take up to five weeks. Once they’re ready, pick them from the vine and let them cure in a cool, dry spot for another two weeks. Cut the cucumbers open and scoop the seeds into a bowl; mix in an equal amount of water and keep it in a 90-degree area away from sunlight for 24-36 hours. The mixture will ferment, and you might see some mold; just stir it twice a day. After fermentation, add more water while stirring - the hollow seeds and debris will float, while the good seeds will sink. Drain the water and debris, then spread the good seeds out on a flat surface to dry for about two weeks. You can store Marketmore 76 cucumber seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 8 years.
Latin Name: Cucumis sativus
Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season
USDA Zones: 3-12
Seeds per Ounce: 1,000
Planting Method: Direct Sow
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 12 Inches
Color: Green
Marketmore 76 cucumbers are super low in calories and packed with water, which makes them perfect for staying hydrated and managing your weight. Plus, they have vitamins and minerals like vitamin K and potassium that can help boost your overall health.
Health Perks of Marketmore 76 Cucumbers
Nutritional Breakdown
Marketmore 76 cucumbers are super low in calories and packed with water, making them a fantastic option for staying hydrated. They’re loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, such as:
Vitamin K: Crucial for keeping bones strong and aiding in blood clotting.
Vitamin C: Boosts your immune system and keeps your skin healthy.
Potassium: Helps manage blood pressure and keeps fluids balanced.
Wellness Advantages
Hydration: With around 95% water, cucumbers are great for staying hydrated, especially when it’s hot outside.
Weight Control: They’re low in calories and high in fiber, which can help with weight loss by making you feel full.
Digestive Wellness: The fiber helps with digestion and can prevent constipation.
Antioxidant Benefits: Cucumbers have antioxidants like flavonoids and tannins that fight oxidative stress and lower inflammation.
Skin Benefits: Their high water content and vitamins can boost skin hydration and may help with irritation and swelling.
Other Uses
Detox: Cucumbers can help flush out toxins thanks to their high water content and diuretic effects.
Blood Sugar Management: Some research indicates that cucumbers might help reduce blood sugar levels, which is great for those with diabetes.
Wrap Up
Adding Marketmore 76 cucumbers to your meals can offer a range of health benefits, from hydration to better digestion and skin health. They’re a versatile ingredient for salads, sandwiches, and smoothies, adding both taste and nutrition.
