Heritage Packet: Cucumber - Straight Eight (Seed)
In celebration of our 160th anniversary, Halifax Seed is pleased to offer a limited edition collection of Heritage Seed Packets inspired by the archives of our catalogue. Each of the 9 varieties in this collection have appeared in historical Halifax Seed catalogues as early as 1906. These tried and true favourites are as reliable as ever, and each variety comes in a vintage-inspired seed packet.
This extremely dependable variety, introduced to market in 1835, is still considered one of the best tasting cukes for slicing and pickling. An heirloom favourite and an 1935 All-American Selections winner. Straight fruit is sweet, crisp, and delicious. Pick while young and tender. High in fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. 2.6g per packet.
Care: Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after risk of frost has passed. For best results, loosen and improve soil with organic material. Water regularly and fertilize monthly.
Harvest: Pick regularly when fruit is 15-20cm (6-8”) long, before skin begins to yellow. Harvest consistently to encourage fruit production.
Straight Eight first appeared in the Halifax Seed catalogue in 1939, where the description read “Desirable for home and market gardens and shipping. Fruit uniformly cylindrical. Weight 2 ¼ pounds, rounded at ends, medium green, quite free from light stripes. An attractive variety.”