Cucumbers
58days to harvest
5-8days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow when soil reaches 65°F or start indoors 2-4 weeks before last frost date.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture important
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with high organic matter content
Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
8-18 inches
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Glossy dark green
Size
5-7".
Shape
Straight, cylindrical, uniform
Flavour
Exceptionally crisp, sweet, mild flavor with no bitterness

In the kitchen

Fresh slicing, salads, sandwiches, cucumber rolls, garnishes

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Cucumber beetles, aphids, thrips
Diseases
Bacterial wilt, angular leaf spot
Resistance
Cucumber Vein Yellowing Virus (Intermediate); Powdery Mildew (Intermediate); Scab (High)

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1JuneJuly – AugustJuly – SeptemberSeptember – August
2May – JuneJulyJuly – AugustSeptember
3MayJune – JulyJune – AugustAugust – October
4April – MayJuneJune – JulyAugust – October
5AprilMay – JuneMay – JulyAugust – September
6AprilMay – JuneMay – JulyJuly – September
7March – AprilMayMay – JuneJuly – August
8MarchApril – MayApril – JuneJune – August
9FebruaryMarch – AprilMarch – MayMay – July
10January – FebruaryMarchMarch – AprilMay – June
11JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchApril – May
12JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchApril – May
13JanuaryFebruaryFebruary – MarchApril – May

Companion planting

9 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

BasilRepels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially improving cucumber flavor
MarigoldDeters cucumber beetles, aphids, and nematodes with natural compounds
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for cucumber beetles and squash bugs
RadishRepels cucumber beetles and doesn't compete for space due to quick harvest
BeansFix nitrogen in soil and provide natural trellis support for cucumber vines
CornProvides natural support structure and shade without root competition
SunflowerOffers natural trellis support and attracts beneficial predatory insects
DillAttracts beneficial wasps and predatory insects that control cucumber pests
Aromatic HerbsOregano, thyme, and chives mask cucumber scent from pest insects

Avoid

PotatoCompetes heavily for nutrients and may increase disease susceptibility
SageAllelopathic properties can inhibit cucumber growth and germination
FennelStrong allelopathic effects inhibit growth of cucumbers and most vegetables

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
10
Protein (g)
0.59
Fat (g)
0.16
Carbohydrate (g)
2.16
Fibre (g)
0.7
Sugars (g)
1.38
Vitamin A (µg)
4
Vitamin C (mg)
3.2
Vitamin E (mg)
0.03
Vitamin K (µg)
7.2
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.051
Folate (µg)
14
Calcium (mg)
14
Iron (mg)
0.22
Magnesium (mg)
12
Phosphorus (mg)
21
Potassium (mg)
136
Zinc (mg)
0.17
Selenium (µg)
0.1

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the cucumbers growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Diva?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other cucumbers with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Diva suits these too.

Browse all 31 cucumbers