Cucumber Ashley seeds

Description

Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus
Variety Name: Ashley
Common Names: Ashley cucumber
Seed Type: Open-pollinated / Heirloom
Growth Habit: Vining
Days to Maturity: 60–65 days
Plant Height/Spread: Vines up to 1.5–2.5 meters (5–8 feet)
Climate: Warm-season; thrives in hot, humid conditions

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🌱 Overview:

The Ashley cucumber is a time-tested heirloom variety developed in the 1950s by the South Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station. It was bred to withstand the high humidity and heat of the American South and has become a favorite among gardeners for its vigor, productivity, and disease resistance. Ashley cucumbers are perfect for slicing, pickling, or enjoying fresh from the vine.

This variety produces slender, dark green fruits with light ribbing and a slightly tapered shape. The vines are vigorous and benefit from vertical support but can also be grown sprawled across the ground. It’s well-suited to both home gardens and small-scale farms.

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🌿 Plant Characteristics:

• Fruit Size: 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) long

• Fruit Shape: Slightly tapered, cylindrical

• Skin: Dark green with light stripes or mottling

• Flesh: Crisp, juicy, and mild in flavor

• Yield: High-yielding under warm conditions

• Pollination: Requires pollinators (monoecious – male & female flowers on the same plant)

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🧑‍🌾 Growing Information:

• Soil Requirements: Loose, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil

• pH Range: 6.0–7.0

• Sowing Depth: 1–1.5 cm (1/2 inch)

• Spacing: 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) apart in rows 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft) apart

• Germination Time: 4–10 days at 21–30°C (70–85°F)

• Planting Time: After last frost when soil is warm

• Watering: Consistent moisture is important—do not let soil dry out

• Fertilization: Balanced fertilizer or compost, especially at flowering

• Support: Grows well on trellises, which improves airflow and fruit shape

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🍽️ Culinary Uses:

• Perfect for fresh eating, slicing into salads or sandwiches

• Excellent for pickling due to firmness and flavor

• Juiced for refreshing beverages

• Used in cold soups and yogurt dips

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💪 Nutritional Benefits:

• High in water content, helping with hydration

• Low in calories, ideal for light diets

• Contains vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants

• Supports digestion and skin health

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🌍 Agricultural & Cultural Importance:

• Developed specifically for Southern U.S. humidity, now used globally

• Resists downy mildew better than many older varieties

• Excellent choice for organic and sustainable growing systems

• Trusted by gardeners for generations for reliability and flavor