Space Master 80 Cucumber (slicer) Seeds
This is a super compact bush variety that's just right for containers or hanging baskets. The plants reach 18" in height and produce fruits that are 8" long, which are resistant to cucumber mosaic virus. You can pickle the fruit when they're small, or slice them as they grow larger.
Historians mostly agree that cucumbers first sprouted in the Himalyan Mountains of India over 3,000 years ago. They spread from there to Greece and Rome, with the Romans likely taking this veggie across Europe. Native Americans also grew cucumbers, thanks to the influence of 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. Spacemaster cucumbers, in particular, were specifically developed as a compact slicing variety by the Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York.
Spacemaster cucumbers don’t handle transplanting very well, so it’s best to either start them early in peat pots or 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, use scissors to cut off all but the strongest one. Before you plant them outside, you need to ‘harden’ the seedlings by putting them 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 between 65-75 degrees F. If you’re planting in a hill, put three seedlings or 7-8 seeds in each hill, spacing the hills 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, cover the seedlings. Spacemaster cucumbers have relatively short vines and do well in containers for small spaces. For some companion planting perks, try putting a few radishes with your cucumbers - this seems to keep those pesky cucumber beetles away. Just remember, cucumbers don’t like being near potatoes or strong-smelling herbs.
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus
Category: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season
USDA Zones: 3-12
Seeds per Ounce: 1,000
Planting Technique: Direct Sow
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Growth Height: 12 Inches
Shade: Green
Moisture is crucial for growing great cucumbers; keep the soil evenly moist. Once the vines are established, add mulch or straw to 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.
These slender, dark green cucumbers work very well for slicing. For best taste, harvest them as soon as they reach a length of 7". If picked consistently all season, the yield will be very high. When the blossom end of the cucumber begins to turn yellow, this indicates that the cucumber has passed its prime. Cucumbers store very well in the refrigerator.
Cucumbers usually produce both male and female flowers in the same plant, and will cross with other varieties of cucumber; be sure to separate the varieties to prevent cross pollination. Allow the cucumbers to mature past the eating stage - the cucumber will be very soft and the skin will turn either white, brown, yellow, green, or orange, depending on the variety. This may take up to five weeks. Remove the cucumbers from the vine and allow them to cure in a dry, cool place for another two weeks. Cut open the cucumbers and scoop out the Spacemaster cucumber seeds into a bowl; add an equal amount of water, and keep in a 90 degree location away from sunlight for 24-36 hours. The mixture will be fermenting, and mold may form; stir it twice a day. At the end of the fermentation process, add more water while stirring - the hollow seeds and debris will float to the top, and the good seeds will sink. Remove the water and debris, and spread out the good seeds on a flat surface to dry for about two weeks. Store Spacemaster cucumber seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 8 years.
Spacemaster 80 cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them great for hydration and weight management. They also contain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K and potassium, which can support overall health.
Medicinal Benefits of Spacemaster 80 Cucumbers
Nutritional Profile
Spacemaster 80 cucumbers are low in calories and packed with water, making them a fantastic option for staying hydrated. They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as:
Vitamin K: Crucial for bone health and aiding in blood clotting.
Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
Potassium: Assists in regulating blood pressure and maintaining fluid balance.
Health Benefits
Hydration: With around 95% water content, cucumbers are great for keeping you hydrated, especially during hot days.
Weight Management: Being low in calories and high in fiber, they can help with weight loss by making you feel full.
Digestive Health: The fiber helps maintain healthy digestion and can prevent constipation.
Antioxidant Properties: Cucumbers are loaded with antioxidants like flavonoids and tannins, which help fight oxidative stress and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Skin Health: Their high water content and vitamins can enhance skin hydration and may help reduce inflammation.
Usage in Traditional Medicine
Cucumbers have been utilized in traditional medicine for their cooling effects. They are often used topically to ease sunburns and minimize swelling. Plus, cucumber juice is sometimes drunk for its detoxifying benefits.
Conclusion
Spacemaster 80 cucumbers not only make for a refreshing snack but also provide numerous health benefits that enhance overall well-being. Adding them to your diet can help with hydration, digestion, and skin health.
