60 Seeds

Grow a garden filled with Ashley Slicing Cucumbers, from freshly harvested Cucumis sativus seeds. Ashley Slicing is just that, a slicing variety of cucumber that can be enjoyed freshly cut, or added to garden salads. These cucumbers are grown on vines, producing 7 to 8 inch long, dark green fruits. An heirloom variety that dates back to 1956, Ashley Slicing is a great variety for humid conditions and is resistant to downy mildew as well.

Ashley Slicing is a prolific variety that performs well in hot climates. The vines grow quickly, taking up roughly 3 to 5 feet of land. You might consider providing your cucumber plants a trellis or other support to grow these vines vertically. The vining plants grow to a mature height of roughly 1 to 2 feet tall when grown without supports and produce oblong fruits on the ground. Ashley Slicing is ready for harvesting in about 65 days.

Cucumbers taste great in salads, and most varieties are pickled as well. There are several health benefits that you may be interested in learning about, when it comes to consuming cucumbers. Some of these benefits include, reduced risk of cancer, reduced inflammation, fresher breath and benefits in weight loss. For more information on the benefits of eating cucumbers such as this, check out this article.

Sowing The Seed

Cucumbers, like most vegetables, can be started indoors, or directly outdoors as well. If started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow 1 seed per peat pot, at a depth of 1/2" under topsoil. Provide a small stake for newly established plants. Transplant entire pots, or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Check "Germination & Growth" for additional information on growth habits and spacing.

Growing Conditions

Cucumbers will enjoy the heat of summer, and require temperatures of at least 65F or higher. The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter and well draining as well. To increase drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water the soil daily so that the plants receive an ample amount of moisture, but be careful not to overwater as this can cause your plants to become waterlogged.

Germination & Growth

Cucumber seeds typically take anywhere between 7 to 10 days to successfully germinate. The plants will grow to a vining length of roughly 3 to 5 feet long, but can be better maintained when grown vertically, through the use of a trellis or other support. The plants can be established on hills, versus rows, sowing 4 seeds per hill, directing the vines away from one another. Space each hill about 6 feet apart. Cucumbers are a delicious additive to many fresh, garden salads and are often times enjoyed raw as well.

Harvesting Your Ashley Slicing Cucumbers

Ashley slicing can be harvested in roughly 65 days. The fruits will grow to roughly 7 to 8 inches long. Harvesting cucumbers before they are overly ripe is best to keep up production.

Unfortunately, cucumbers do not store very well because of their high water content. At most, they have a shelf life of about 1 week after picking. You might consider picking some for friends and family, or even neighbors to enjoy as well. You can also look into pickling varieties as well, which tend to have a better shelf life.