Our cucumis sativus Cucumber "Telegraph Improved" seeds are an upgraded version of the classic Telegraph cucumber first introduced in 1897. This popular greenhouse variety produces high yields of long, straight cucumbers with a smooth skin and crisp, great-tasting flesh. In addition to being a must-have for salads, it's also great for exhibiting.
Variety Information
No. Seeds Per Pack | 5 |
Sow Indoors | February - May |
Sow Outdoors | February - May |
Location | Full Sun |
Harvest Time | July - October |
Hardiness | Half-Hardy Annual |
Features
High Yields
Crisp Flavour
Salad Essential
Great For Exhibiting Buying Guide Planting Requirements Planting Guide Planting Essentials
Cucumber is easy to grow. Below we address some common queries:
- Hardiness: this species is half-hardy and must be kept inside in colder weather.
- Planting In Pots: suitable for growing in containers 30cm (12in) wide and 20cm (8in) deep or larger.
- Position: place in a sunny position.
- Soil Types: sow in fertile, well-drained soil.
Germination Requirements: sow seeds in a propagator or plastic bag at a temperature of around 20°C, or sow outdoors but gradually acclimatise seedlings to outdoor conditions.
Planting Distance (Seed Tray): sow seeds 1cm (1/2in) deep in 7.5cm (3in) pots of compost.
Planting Distance (Ground): plant in single rows 90cm (35in) apart.
Soil Preparation: remove weeds and large stones and dig in plenty of compost.
Thinning: thin seedlings to 20-30cm (8-12in) apart.
Pest Control: use netting or row covers to protect from pests.
Watering Requirements: water regularly, particularly during dry periods.
For a more detailed guide please read our blog below.
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- F1 Hybrids: hybrid seeds are produced from two specially selected varieties that are kept in isolation. As they are produced from only two plants, seeds are almost identical genetically.
- Open Pollinated: open pollinated plants aren't isolated from other varieties, so are more genetically diverse.
- Heirloom: heirloom seeds are historic, some going back to Victorian times, others more recent. Heirloom varieties can be good or bad, depending on how careful the breeder is to maintain genetic similarity.
Hybrids vs Open Pollinated As hybrids are produced from two specially selected varieties, the quality is more consistent, with a higher germination rate and improved cropping. But, as they require time, resources and know-how to create, they come to the market at a higher cost. They are also genetically unstable, and so if you keep the seeds from the resultant crop, performance is usually poor. Open Pollinated seeds are highly diverse and have often been grown for successfully for decades. Seeds from the resultant crop are usually perform well.
Annual, Biennial and Perennial Annual plants complete their life cycle within a year, biennials in two years (usually only flowering in the second year) and perennials can live on indefinitely.
Hardy, Half-Hardy and Tender Hardy and half-hardy plants can survive a light frost, but the latter are best moved indoors during periods of bad weather. Tender plants must be kept indoors, until after the last frost.
We believe that anyone, regardless of ability can successfully grow their own plants at home, and do so in an eco-friendly and sustainable way.
Everyone should have the chance to experience the benefits that plants bring to our lives, and we have put a lot of effort into making sure that all of our products are easy to grow, even for beginners.
Sustainability is at the heart of our ethos and we have done everything we can to ensure that all of our products are as sustainable as possible, be it our plastic free, fully recyclable packaging, GM free seeds or ethically sourced compost.
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