You can depend on 'Poinsett 76' for a bountiful harvest of dark green, straight cucumbers produced on plants that resist many common diseases, including mildews, anthracnose, scab, and angular leaf spot. Cucumbers average 7"–8" long and 2 ½" in diameter and are produced over a long harvest period. Enjoy fresh slices in salads or with your favorite dip.
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus
Days to Maturity: 65 days
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Native: Southern Asia
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Plant Dimensions: 4'–6' vines
Variety Information: Dark green, cylindrical fruits, with round ends and smooth, thin skin are best harvested when 7"–8" long, 2 ½" in diameter. 'Poinsett 76' was developed in 1976 from the collaborative efforts of Dr. Henry M. Munger at Cornell University along with Clemson University. Plants are resistant to anthracnose, angular leaf spot, downy mildew, powdery mildew, and scab.
Type: Monoecious, slicing cucumber
Attributes: Disease Resistant, Heat Tolerant, Monoecious
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 70°–90°F.
When to Start Inside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Cucumbers are sensitive to root disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: ½"
Seed Spacing: A group of 2 seeds every 12"
Row Spacing: 36"
Thinning: When 3 leaves, thin to 1 plant every 12"
Harvesting: Pick, and pick some more! Overly mature cucumbers on the vine will slow production of new cucumbers. Cut the stem rather than pulling at the fruit, as stems are fragile. To increase the quality and storage time, once picked, immediately immerse in cold water to disperse "field heat".