VegetableCucumber
Poinsett 76 Cucumber
Slicing Cucumber
Poinsett 76 stands as a testament to American agricultural innovation, developed in 1976 through a collaboration between Cornell University's Dr. Munger and Clemson University. This dark green slicing cucumber produces straight, blocky 6-8 inch fruits with smooth skin and exceptional disease resistance across zones 2-13. Harvest typically comes in 60-69 days, making it both reliable and productive for fresh eating and market sales.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Preferred Temp70-90°F
Growth Stats
48 in
Height
—
Width
18 in
Spacing
60–69
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeVine, Forb/herb
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-13
Size
48in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What sets Poinsett 76 apart is its remarkable combination of superior flavor and fortress-like disease resistance, standing strong against Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew, and Scab. The dark green cucumbers grow perfectly straight with smooth skin, reaching 6-8 inches of crisp, sweet perfection. As a prolific producer throughout the season, this variety delivers consistent quality that has made it a favorite among both home gardeners and commercial growers for nearly five decades.
Common Uses
Poinsett 76 excels as a fresh slicing cucumber, perfect for crisp salads, refreshing sandwiches, and casual snacking. Its sweet flavor and smooth skin make it ideal for market sales, while the consistent 6-8 inch size and straight shape appeal to both commercial growers and pickle enthusiasts who appreciate uniform appearance.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Early Summer
First Harvest
Mid-summer
Last Harvest
Late Summer
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date, sowing in biodegradable pots since cucumbers are sensitive to root disturbance. Maintain soil temperature at 60°F, though 70-90°F is ideal for best germination.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant 2-4 weeks after the average last frost date when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. Handle carefully to avoid disturbing the sensitive root system.
Direct Sow
Direct sow 1-2 weeks after the last frost date when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. This is the recommended method for best results with Poinsett 76.
Harvesting
Harvest Poinsett 76 cucumbers when they reach 6-8 inches long and display their characteristic dark green color with smooth skin. Pick frequently while young to encourage continued production throughout the season. Use harvesting shears or pruning shears to remove fruits rather than pulling them from the plant, which can damage both the cucumber and the vine.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Cucumis sativus L.
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Genus
Cucumis
Duration
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Native Status
L48 (I)HI (I)PR (I)CAN (W)
History & Origin
“Released in 1976, Poinsett 76 represents the successful collaboration between the late Dr. Munger of Cornell University and researchers at Clemson University. This breakthrough variety emerged during an era when cucumber growers desperately needed reliable disease resistance combined with excellent eating quality. Named for its year of release, Poinsett 76 quickly established itself as one of the premier slicing cucumbers, earning recognition for bridging the gap between commercial reliability and home garden flavor.”