Poinsett 76 Cucumber Heirloom Seeds

Poinsett 76 Cucumber Seeds — Heirloom Organic | 6–8 Inch Dark-Green Slicer, 6-Disease Resistant, Cornell 1976, 65 Days

Cucumis sativus — Released in 1976 by the late Dr. Munger of Cornell University in collaboration with Clemson University, Poinsett 76 is one of the most disease-resistant and reliable open-pollinated slicing cucumbers ever developed. Blocky, straight 6–8 inch dark-green fruits with mild, slightly sweet, refreshing flavor — perfect for salads, sandwiches, and fresh snacking. Resistant to Angular Leaf Spot, Anthracnose, Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew, and Scab. Highly productive. Monoecious. 65 days to maturity.

The Cornell Legacy Slicer

Poinsett 76 became one of the most popular slicing cucumbers of the 1980s for good reason — its combination of disease resistance, productivity, and fruit quality was unmatched among open-pollinated varieties. That reputation holds today. For gardeners who want a dependable, high-yielding slicer without the limitations of F1 hybrids, Poinsett 76 remains the benchmark.

Why Grow Poinsett 76?

• Six-disease resistance package — Angular Leaf Spot, Anthracnose, Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew, and Scab; one of the most disease-resistant open-pollinated cucumbers available
• Classic slicing form — blocky, straight 6–8 inch dark-green fruits; thick, smooth skin; mild, refreshing flavor
• Highly productive — harvest frequently while young to keep vines producing all season
• Cornell pedigree — released 1976 by Dr. Munger, Cornell University / Clemson University collaboration
• Organic, open-pollinated heirloom — save seed year after year
• Versatile growing — fields, raised beds, containers with support, and greenhouses

In the Kitchen

• Fresh slicing: The definitive use — slice into salads, layer on sandwiches, or serve with dips and hummus
• Snacking: Cut into spears; the mild, refreshing flavor needs no embellishment
• Tzatziki & raita: Grate or dice into yogurt-based sauces; the dense flesh holds up without becoming watery
• Quick pickles: Slice thin with onion and dill in a light vinegar brine; ready in 2 hours
• Gazpacho: Core ingredient in cold summer soups

Pest & Disease Notes

Poinsett 76 is resistant to Angular Leaf Spot, Anthracnose (A), Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew, and Scab. General cucumber pests include cucumber beetles, aphids, spider mites, and squash vine borers. Cover young plants with floating row cover until flowers begin to form to protect against cucumber beetles. Practice crop rotation to reduce disease pressure year over year.

Growing Notes

• Season: Warm-season annual; plant after all frost risk has passed
• Direct sow: Preferred method — 1–2 weeks after last frost date, 1 inch deep
• Start indoors: 3–4 weeks before transplanting if needed; cucumbers need warm air and soil temperatures
• Spacing: 12–18 inches apart; rows 48 inches apart
• Support: Vining habit — trellis vertically for better airflow, cleaner fruit, and easier harvest
• Soil: Rich, well-draining; pH 6.0–6.8; consistent moisture critical for yield
• Temperature: Optimal 64–86°F; damaged below 50°F; does not tolerate frost
• Pollination: Monoecious — produces male and female flowers; requires insect or hand pollination to set fruit
• Harvest: Pick at 6–8 inches; harvest frequently to keep vines producing

Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden's success.