Description
Nunhems US 800 Cucumber is a hybrid cucumber variety that is known for its high yield, long shelf life, and excellent quality. It is a light green cucumber with smooth skin and tender flesh. The fruits are about 14-16 centimeters (about 6.3 in) long and 3.5-4 centimeters (about 1.57 in) wide. They have a mild flavor and are perfect for salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
Benefits:
Disease Resistance and Adaptability:
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Robust and Resilient: Thrives in diverse climates and soil conditions, perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
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Disease Fighter: Nunhems US 800 cucumber seeds offer intermediate resistance to powdery and downy mildew for a healthier crop.
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Open Field & Polyhouse Champion: Performs well in both indoor and outdoor settings, offering growing flexibility.
Flavor and Culinary Versatility:
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Mildly Sweet Delight: Crisp and refreshing taste that elevates salads, sandwiches, and crudités.
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Culinary All-Star: Ideal for fresh eating, pickling, and even juicing.
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Seedless Convenience: Enjoy cucumbers with minimal waste and easier preparation.
Key Features:
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High Yield and Market Perfection:
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Prolific Producer: Expect harvests of 14-16 cm long, 3.5-4 cm wide cucumbers, with 2-3 fruits per node on the main stem.
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Fast Maturing: Ready to pick in just 55-60 days, maximizing your growing season.
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Flawless Appearance: Light green, smooth skin and tender flesh make US 800 a supermarket star.
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Long Shelf Life: Maintains freshness for extended periods, reducing waste and increasing profit.
Land Preparation:
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Loosen the Soil: Break up the ground 20-25 cm (about 9.84 in) deep using a spade, rototiller, or tractor. This aeration improves drainage, facilitates root growth, and incorporates organic matter.
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Strike the Right Balance: Cucumbers thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Test your soil's pH and adjust accordingly. Use lime to raise pH and elemental sulfur to lower it.
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Organic Boost: Enrich the soil with well-rotted manure or compost at a rate of 2-4 kg/m². This increases organic matter content, enhances drainage, and provides essential nutrients.
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Fertilizing for Success: Consider adding a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 NPK at a rate of 1 kg/100 m (about 328.08 ft) ² before planting. This provides additional nutrients for optimal growth.
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Create Mounds: Build raised beds 15-30 cm (about 11.81 in) high using a mixture of soil, compost, and aged manure. Ensure good drainage holes are present.
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Refine the Surface: Rake the soil to a fine tilth, removing any large clods or debris. This creates a smooth and welcoming environment for Nunhems US 800 cucumber seeds.
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Furrows or Hills: Depending on your planting method, form planting hills or furrows. Ensure proper drainage by making them slightly elevated.
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Mulch Magic: Cover the prepared bed with a thin layer of mulch (straw, hay, or wood chips). This suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and regulates soil temperature, creating a favorable microclimate for Nunhems US 800 cucumbers.
Sowing
When sowing the Nunhems US 800 cucumber crop, the process depends on several factors, including your climate, preferred method, and variety. Here's a breakdown of the two main options:
Direct Sowing:
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Suitable for Warmer climates with consistent soil temperatures above 68°F (20°C) after the last frost.
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Timing: Sow seeds directly outdoors when the soil has warmed sufficiently, typically late spring or early summer. Ensure no risk of frost remains.
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Method: Make planting holes or furrows about 1 inch deep and spaced according to cucumber seeds (typically 12-18 inches apart). Sow 2-3 seeds per hole and cover lightly with soil. Water gently.
Starting Seeds Indoors:
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Suitable for Colder climates or early harvests.
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Timing: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) before the last frost date.
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Method: Use individual pots or seed trays filled with seed starting mix. Sow 1-2 seeds per pot, 1/2 inch deep. Place in a warm location (70-80°F) with bright light. Water regularly keeps the soil moist but not soggy. Once seedlings have developed true leaves, thin to one strongest plant per pot. Harden off seedlings for a week before transplanting outdoors when soil temperatures are warm, and all risk of frost has passed.
Transplanting:
Preparing the Soil:
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
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Amend the soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage and nutrient content.
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Dig planting holes twice the diameter of the seedling pots, spaced according to Nunhems US 800 seedlings (typically 12-18 inches apart).
Transplanting Technique:
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Gently remove seedlings from pots without disturbing the roots.
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Place the seedling in the planting hole at the same depth it was in the pot.
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Fill the hole with soil and gently firm it around the base of the plant.
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Water generously settles the soil and eliminates air pockets.
Aftercare:
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Water regularly, especially during hot weather, to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
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Mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
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Provide support for vining varieties using poles, trellises, or netting.
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Monitor pests and diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.
Harvesting:
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Pickling Nunhems US 800 cucumbers are usually harvested earlier than slicing varieties when they are smaller and firmer. Their skin should be bumpy, and the blossom end should be closed.
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Slicing Nunhems US 800 cucumbers typically requires more time to reach full size and have smoother skin with an open blossom end.
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Use sharp pruners or a knife to cut the cucumber stem, leaving about 1 inch of stem attached to the vine. Avoid pulling or twisting, as this can damage the plant.
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Harvest cucumbers regularly, ideally every 1-2 days, to encourage continuous fruit production.
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Avoid harvesting Nunhems US 800 cucumbers in the heat of the day, as they may be wilted or sunburned. Early morning or evening are ideal times.
Storage:
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Crisper drawer: This is the best place for most cucumbers. Wrap individual Nunhems US 800 cucumbers in a damp paper towel or place them in a breathable container to maintain moisture but prevent sweating. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and accelerate spoiling.
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Zip-top bags: For longer storage (up to 1-2 weeks), place each cucumber in a separate zip-top bag with a metal spoon inside. The spoon absorbs ethylene gas, which hastens ripening. Remove any condensation that forms in the bag.
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Cool pantry: If your pantry stays cool and dark, you can store unwashed cucumbers there for a few days. Place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
