Cucumis sativus 'Straight Eight', Straight Eight Cucumber
Annuals

Cucumis sativus 'Straight Eight'

Straight Eight Cucumber

CucurbitaceaeAsia

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitvining
Foliagedeciduous
Height6-8 feet
Width3-4 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4a - 10b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Cucumis sativus 'Straight Eight' is a classic American heirloom cucumber cultivar renowned for producing uniformly straight, cylindrical fruits that typically measure 6-8 inches in length. This vigorous annual vine produces medium-green fruits with crisp, white flesh and a mild, refreshing flavor. The cultivar was specifically bred for its exceptional fruit uniformity, making it ideal for slicing and fresh consumption. The plant develops characteristic rough, angular stems with large, heart-shaped leaves that are deeply lobed and covered in fine hairs. Small, bright yellow flowers appear in clusters along the vines, with both male and female flowers present on the same plant. Cucumis sativus 'Straight Eight' is distinguished from other cucumber varieties by its consistently straight fruit shape, which rarely shows the curved or bent characteristics common in many other cultivars.

Native Range

Cucumis sativus is believed to be native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly the foothills of the Himalayas, where wild relatives still exist today. The species has been cultivated for over 3,000 years and spread throughout Asia, the Mediterranean, and eventually worldwide.

Suggested Uses

Cucumis sativus 'Straight Eight' works well in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and container gardens with adequate support. Excellent for fresh eating, slicing, and pickling due to its uniform shape and crisp texture. The straight fruits make attractive additions to market gardens and are ideal for canning and preserving applications.

How to Identify

Cucumis sativus 'Straight Eight' can be identified by its distinctive straight, uniform fruits that are medium green with white spines and measure 6-8 inches at maturity. The vines have rough, angular stems and large, heart-shaped leaves with 3-5 shallow lobes. The fruits maintain their straight shape even when fully mature, unlike many cucumber varieties that tend to curve or bend during development.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
mid-summer through early fall

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium green with prominent veining

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• 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)
357912
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

high

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

55-65 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Cucumis sativus 'Straight Eight' requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season, with soil kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plant to prevent foliar diseases, providing approximately 1-2 inches per week. Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, switching to a lower nitrogen formula once fruiting begins to promote fruit development over excessive foliage growth. Provide sturdy trellising or support structures as the vines can reach 6-8 feet in length. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning

Prune Cucumis sativus 'Straight Eight' by removing any damaged, diseased, or yellowing leaves regularly throughout the growing season. Pinch off the growing tips when vines reach the top of support structures to encourage lateral branching and more fruit production. Remove any misshapen or oversized fruits promptly to encourage continued production. No major pruning is required as this is an annual crop.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic to humans and pets. All parts of Cucumis sativus 'Straight Eight' are safe for consumption, though leaves and stems are not typically eaten due to their rough texture and bitter compounds.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

3 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

after last frost when soil temperature reaches 60°F

Days to Maturity

55–65 days

Plant Spacing

12 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes
radishes
lettuce
beans
corn
marigolds
nasturtiums

Avoid Planting With

aromatic herbs
sage
fennel
melons
potatoes