The English cucumber is longer (up to 18") and thinner than traditional cucumbers, with very small, soft seeds. 'Telegraph Improved' was developed in the 1800s for growing in greenhouses, but is now a favorite of home gardeners for the long, thin-skinned, burpless fruits that add a cool, mild flavor and a snappy crunch to salads and sandwiches. Cucumbers develop best when grown on a trellis and get regular moisture while fruits are forming.

Days to Maturity: 60 days

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Type: Parthenocarpic, Burpless Slicing Cucumber (Learn More)

Native: Southern Asia

Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions: 8' vines

Variety Info: 10"–18" long, skinny, dark green fruits with sweet flesh. Vines can be up to 8' long.

Attributes: Frost Sensitive

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 70°–90°F.

When to Start Inside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Cucumbers are sensitive to root disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots.

Days to Emerge: 5–10 days

Seed Depth: ½"

Seed Spacing: A group of 2 seeds every 12"

Row Spacing: 36"

Thinning: When 3 leaves, thin to 1 plant every 12"

Harvesting: Pick, and pick some more! Overly mature cucumbers on the vine will slow production of new cucumbers. Cut the stem rather than pulling at the fruit, as stems are fragile. To increase the quality and storage time, once picked, immediately immerse in cold water to disperse "field heat".