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Telegraph Improved — Cucumbers

65-75days to harvest

7-10days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Moderatedifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or direct sow after soil reaches 65°F. Plant 1/2 inch deep.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
Water: 1.5-2 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with high organic content
Soil pH: 6.5-7.5
Spacing: 36-48 inches
Height: 8-18 inches
Season: Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Dark green, smooth skin
Size: 18-24 inches long, 2-3 inches diameter
Shape: Very long, straight, cylindrical
Flavour: Mild, crisp, refreshing with minimal seeds

In the kitchen

Fresh slicing, salads, tea sandwiches, European cuisine

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, cucumber beetles
Diseases: Powdery mildew, downy mildew, cucumber mosaic virus
Resistance: Moderate resistance, benefits from greenhouse or protected growing

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
2	May – June	July	July – August	September
3	May	June – July	June – August	September – October
4	April – May	June	June – July	September – October
5	April	May – June	May – July	August – October
6	April	May – June	May – July	August – September
7	March – April	May	May – June	July – September
8	March	April – May	April – June	July – August
9	February	March – April	March – May	June – July
10	January – February	March	March – April	May – July
11	January	February	February – March	April – June
12	January	February	February – March	April – June
13	January	February	February – March	April – June

Companion planting

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

BasilRepels aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles while potentially improving cucumber flavor

MarigoldDeters cucumber beetles, aphids, and nematodes with natural pest-repelling compounds

NasturtiumActs as trap crop for cucumber beetles and aphids, drawing pests away from cucumbers

RadishRepels cucumber beetles and squash bugs, breaks up soil for cucumber root development

BeansFixes nitrogen in soil for cucumber growth, provides natural trellis structure

CornProvides natural support structure and shade, creates beneficial microclimate

DillAttracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cucumber pests

LettuceGrows well in cucumber shade, efficient use of garden space without competition

Avoid

Aromatic HerbsStrong-scented herbs like sage and rosemary can inhibit cucumber growth and flavor

PotatoCompetes for nutrients and space, may increase disease susceptibility

TomatoBoth are heavy feeders competing for nutrients, increased risk of shared diseases

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

← PreviousPainted Serpent Cucumber Next →Ashley Cucumber

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.

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Telegraph Improved?

Similar varieties