The Marketmore 76 Slicing Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) is a highly popular and reliable cucumber variety, known for producing straight, dark green, and crisp fruit perfect for fresh eating or pickling. With 200 seeds in this pack, you’ll have plenty to grow a bountiful crop of cucumbers in your garden. Whether you’re making refreshing salads, sandwiches, or pickles, this cucumber variety is a must-have for home gardeners.
Key Features:
- High Yield: Known for its abundant fruit production, this variety offers plenty of cucumbers throughout the growing season.
- Crisp, Firm Texture: The cucumbers grow straight and uniform, offering a crisp and firm texture that holds up well when sliced or used in recipes.
- Disease Resistance: The Marketmore 76 cucumber is resistant to common cucumber diseases like powdery mildew and cucumber mosaic virus, making it easier to grow successfully in various climates.
- Perfect for Slicing: This cucumber variety is ideal for fresh slicing, and the fruit has a classic cucumber flavor that is mild, refreshing, and never bitter.
- Compact Growth Habit: The vines are moderately compact, making them great for small gardens, raised beds, and containers.
Growing Information:
Planting Instructions:
- Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost or directly sow them in the garden once the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15°C).
- Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 18-24 inches apart in rows, or in containers with sufficient space for the vines to spread.
Soil and Light Requirements:
- Prefer full sun and well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- Amend the soil with organic compost for optimal growth.
Watering:
- Cucumbers require regular watering, ideally keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to avoid wetting the leaves and prevent disease.
Temperature Requirements:
- Grow best in warm weather, with temperatures between 70°F-95°F (21°C-35°C).
- Avoid planting too early in cooler climates as cucumbers thrive in warmth and will not grow well in cold soil.
Features of the Marketmore 76 Cucumber:
Fruit Size and Shape:
- The cucumbers are 8-9 inches long, with smooth, dark green skin and a classic slicing shape.
Disease Resistance:
- Offers natural resistance to powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic virus, and other common cucumber diseases, which helps ensure a healthy harvest.
Mild Flavor:
- Known for its mild, refreshing flavor, the Marketmore 76 cucumber is perfect for eating raw in salads or sandwiches.
Uses & Benefits:
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Culinary Uses:
- Fresh Eating: Slice and enjoy in salads, sandwiches, or as a snack.
- Pickling: Excellent for making homemade pickles, whether for quick pickling or canning.
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Health Benefits:
- Low in calories and high in water content, cucumbers are great for staying hydrated and are a great addition to a healthy diet.
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Easy to Grow:
- Marketmore 76 cucumbers are relatively low-maintenance compared to other cucumber varieties and are a great choice for both beginners and seasoned gardeners.
Growing Zones:
- Best suited for USDA Zones 4-11, where the growing season is warm and frost-free for most of the year.
Conclusion:
The Marketmore 76 Slicing Cucumber is an ideal choice for gardeners who want to grow abundant, crisp, and flavorful cucumbers for fresh eating or pickling. With 200 seeds in this pack, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, this easy-to-grow variety will bring joy and fresh cucumbers to your garden and kitchen!