Bushy Cucumber – Heirloom Seeds

Bushy Cucumber – Russian Heirloom, Cool-Tolerant & 2 Weeks Earlier Than the Rest

Bushy Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a remarkable Russian heirloom that sets itself apart with exceptional earliness — ready in just 48 days and typically producing 2 weeks earlier than other cucumber varieties. The secret? Bushy doesn’t mind cool nights, making it a standout performer in short-season gardens and cool spring climates. Compact plants with green fruits and black spines deliver heavy yields of mild, slightly sweet cucumbers perfect for both slicing and pickling. Non-GMO, open-pollinated, heirloom.

Why Grow Bushy Cucumber?

• Exceptionally early — 48 days, typically 2 weeks ahead of other varieties
• Cool-weather tolerant — thrives in cool spring nights where others struggle
• Dual purpose — excellent for both fresh slicing and pickling
• Compact habit — 24–36" spread, great for raised beds and containers
• Very productive — heavy yields from a small footprint
• Deer resistant — hairy leaves and black spines deter most deer

Growth Habits

• Days to Maturity: 48 days
• Days to Germination: 6–10 days
• Fruit: Green with black spines, mild and slightly sweet
• Plant Height: 18–24"
• Plant Width/Spread: 24–36"
• Growth Habit: Compact — can sprawl or grow with trellis support
• Pollination: Monoecious — both male and female flowers; requires insect or hand pollination
• Climate Tolerance: Cool spring and night temperatures

Starting & Growing Tips

• Direct sow preferred — sow 1–2 weeks after last frost date
• Can start indoors 3–4 weeks before transplanting
• Sow 1" deep, 12–18" apart, rows 48" apart
• Germination temperature: 75–85°F
• Grow in rich, well-draining soil with pH 6–6.8 in full sun
• Temperature preference: 64–86°F — tolerates cool nights better than most cucumbers
• Water consistently — cucumbers are mostly water and need steady moisture
• Trellis support optional but promotes airflow and healthier plants
• Hand-pollinate to increase fruit set if insect activity is low

Harvesting

Harvest frequently while fruits are young to keep plants producing prolifically. Allowing fruits to over-mature reduces overall yields. Use pruning shears to remove fruits; avoid pulling from the vine to prevent plant damage.

Culinary Uses

Bushy is a true all-purpose cucumber — mild and slightly sweet, excellent fresh in salads or pickled. Its bumpy skin and compact size make it ideal for pickling, while the crisp flesh is equally enjoyable sliced fresh.

• Fresh sliced in salads & sandwiches
• Dill pickles & quick pickles
• Relish & fermented pickles
• Garden snacking

Planting Information

• Seeding Depth: 1"
• Plant Spacing: 18–24"
• Row Spacing: 48"
• Square Foot Spacing: 1 plant per sq ft
• Soil Preference: Rich, well-draining; pH 6–6.8
• Temperature Preference: 64–86°F; tolerates cool nights
• Light Preference: Full sun
• Hardiness Zones: 2–10 (Annual)
• Pests/Diseases: Watch for aphids, cucumber beetles, spider mites, squash vine borers, snails, cutworms, powdery mildew, cucumber mosaic virus. Practice crop rotation.
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Seed Details

• Latin Name: Cucumis sativus
• Origin: Russia
• Hardiness Zones: 2–10 (Annual)
• Seed Origin: USA
• Non-GMO | Open-Pollinated | Heirloom