Cucumis sativus 'Bush Champion', Bush Champion Cucumber — mounding deciduous (Cucurbitaceae) (image 1 of 9)

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Cucumis, Genus, sativus, Species, 'Bush Champion', Cultivar,

Genus & species
Cultivar

Bush Champion Cucumber

Cucurbitaceae

India (Cucumis sativus); 'Bush Champion' bred for compact growth in small-space gardens

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterHigh

HardinessZones 4–10

Overview

Cucumis sativus 'Bush Champion' is a compact, bush-type slicing cucumber cultivar in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), reaching 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and wide — one-third the footprint of vining types. The short internode spacing creates a compact, bushy plant suited to small gardens and containers. Fruit are cylindrical, 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) long and 2.5-3 inches (6-8 cm) in diameter, dark green, smooth-skinned, with a straight shape and blunt ends. Flesh is crisp, mild, and juicy with a small to medium seed cavity. Days to maturity 55-60 from direct sow. The bush habit eliminates the need for trellising and allows spacing as close as 24 inches (60 cm). The species is monoecious. Plants produce 8-12 fruit each under good conditions — lower than vining types (15-25 fruit) but sufficient for a small household. The compact root zone suits the cultivar to containers (minimum 5 gallons / 19 L). Susceptible to powdery mildew late in the season, cucumber beetle, and angular leaf spot.

Native Range

Cucumis sativus is native to India. 'Bush Champion' was bred for compact growth in small-space gardens.

Suggested Uses

Grown in small gardens, raised beds, and containers as a space-efficient slicing cucumber. Harvested fresh for salads, sandwiches, and raw eating. The bush habit suits the cultivar to urban gardens, balconies, and patios. In the Pacific Northwest, the shorter vine reduces exposure to powdery mildew compared with vining types.

How to Identify

Identified by the compact bush habit (24-36 inches / 60-90 cm), dark green slicing fruit 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) long, and the absence of long vines. Separated from vining slicers by the bush growth form. Separated from bush pickling types by the longer, wider fruit intended for fresh eating.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'

Width/Spread2' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Flowers: June–August

Summer

Yellow flowers appear from June through August. The species is monoecious. Pollination is by bees. Fruit develops 7-10 days after pollination.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Medium green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0 (Neutral)

3579

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep after last frost when soil reaches 65°F (18°C). Plants are spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart. Full sun, fertile well-drained soil, pH 6.0-7.0. Watering is 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) per week. No trellis is needed. In containers, a minimum 5 gallons (19 L) with rich potting mix supports the plant. Harvest at 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) for peak eating quality. In the Pacific Northwest, direct sowing in late May supports July-August harvest.