7082 Cucumber Seeds

Cucumis sativus

Named for its trial plot, the 7082 cucumber is a stubbled green slicer of modest stature but memorable flavor—which, when it comes to cucumbers, is no small feat.

Ask farmer Zaid Kurdieh of New York’s Norwich Meadows Farm to describe the cucumbers of his youth, and he’ll recount stories of long-forgotten varieties that filled a room with their fragrance. Inspired by the promise of these lost cukes, breeder Michael Mazourek took up the challenge of rediscovering them, marrying heirloom flavors with modern disease resistance in the field.

For Zaid and Michael, the search for a truly delicious cucumber begins with exploring the bitter compounds that have been selected against for decades. It turns out a little bitterness goes a long way in adding complexity and depth of flavor—a kind of vegetable diplomacy. And it goes a long way in the field, too, helping to deter pests for organic growers.

This trial variety invites chefs, growers and eaters to share feedback from the field and kitchen. Please let us know how it grows at trials@row7seeds.com! Our 7082 seeds were produced in NY.

Days to Maturity

58 days

Appearance

4-5" long green slicers with black stubble

Field Notes

• Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained soils with an optimal pH of 6.8-7.2. Cucumbers are sensitive to cold. Irrigate consistently to sidestep bitterness in fruit.
• Support required: Productive in high tunnels or open field. Provide trellising or other support.
• Row Covers: Use to deter insect pests and protect from cold nights. Parthenocarpic and gynoecious.

Spacing for Seeding/Transplanting

• Plant Spacing: 12-18”
• Row Spacing: 7’

Direct Seeding

• Sow seeds ¼”-½” deep after last frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 70˚F.
• 3-10 days to emergence.

Transplanting

• Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Sow seeds ¼-½” deep. Optimal temperature for germination is 80-90˚F. Maintain above 60˚F at night.
• Move transplants outdoors to harden off gradually for 3-5 days, protecting seedlings from wind, strong sun, hard rain and cold.
• Transplant after last frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 70˚F. Do not disturb roots when transplanting.

Pest + Disease Info

• Diseases: Resistant to Powdery Mildew, Alternaria (demonstrated). Use best management practices such as crop rotation, removal of post-harvest crop debris and insect pest control to prevent common cucumber diseases.
• Insect Pests: Cucumber beetles: use row covers following transplanting to protect young plants or plant Blue Hubbard as trap crop.

Harvest

Harvest 5-6” green slicers daily.

Storage

Cucumbers will hold at 45-50˚F and 90% relative humidity for up to two weeks maintaining flavor and crispness.

Seed Specs

1,000 seeds/ounce; 16,000 seeds/pound.

We like these cukes raw, pickled, sautéed and even grilled. The boldest flavors are concentrated at the stem end. Please note: the vines of this variety are not edible.