Excelsior Cucumber is an attractive, high-yielding F1 hybrid pickler specifically bred for greenhouse and tunnel production. This compact bush variety reaches maturity in just 50 days from transplant, making it perfect for season extension and controlled environment growing. With impressive disease resistance to Cucumber Mosaic Virus, CVYV, Powdery Mildew, and more, Excelsior thrives in the close quarters of protected growing spaces where disease pressure can be intense.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-12
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High
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What sets Excelsior apart is its greenhouse pedigree combined with exceptional disease resistance, making it ideal for gardeners wanting to extend their cucumber season in tunnels or protected spaces. This parthenocarpic variety can produce seedless fruit when isolated from other cucumber types, eliminating pollination concerns in enclosed environments. The compact bush habit maximizes space efficiency while delivering consistent, attractive pickles in just 50 days from transplant.
This variety excels at producing uniform pickling cucumbers for fermentation, canning, and fresh pickling applications. Best harvested when small before seeds form, Excelsior cucumbers deliver the crisp texture and mild flavor essential for traditional pickles, relishes, and preserved cucumber dishes.
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Start seeds indoors in 4-inch pots or 50-cell plug trays 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Maintain soil temperature at 80-85°F using a heat mat until seedlings emerge, then reduce to 73-76°F during the day with a minimum of 70°F at night.
Transplant when seedlings have approximately 3 true leaves and before they begin to stretch. Plant 4 inches apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart, being careful not to disturb the roots. Maintain temperatures around 75°F day and night for the first week after transplanting to promote rapid growth.
Harvest Excelsior cucumbers when small and uniform, before seeds form inside the fruit. Pick every few days during peak season to maintain productivity, using a knife or garden shears to avoid disturbing the vine. Remove any oversized cucumbers immediately to prevent decline in production. Cucumbers are best when firm and uniformly green.
For greenhouse production, trellis plants onto vertical strings with clips positioned roughly 1 inch below every third leaf. Prune side-shoots off the main vine at each node, taking care not to damage developing fruit. Keep at least 3-4 clips per string and consider umbrella or lower-and-lean systems for extended seasons.
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