Spacemaster Cucumber

Everything You Need to Know About This Compact Cucumber Variety

Spacemaster cucumbers are a bush-type variety known for their compact growth habit and high yields. As more gardeners discover the benefits of growing this unique cucumber, Spacemasters are rising in popularity.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn all about Spacemaster cucumbers including how to grow, care for, and harvest an abundant crop. We’ll also cover tips for maximizing your harvest, from proper spacing to trellising. Read on to learn why Spacemasters should be part of every edible garden!

What are Spacemaster Cucumbers?

Spacemaster is an all-America selections winner bred specifically for container gardening and small spaces. These cucumbers form on compact, upright plants that only grow 12-24 inches tall and wide.

Unlike vining varieties that sprawl all over the garden, Spacemasters have a tidy, bush-like growth habit. The plants produce crisp, sweet, dark green cucumbers around 6-7 inches long. Each plant can bear 20 or more cucumbers throughout the season.

Spacemasters are also parthenocarpic, meaning they can set fruit without pollination. However, pollinated cucumbers will have better seed development and flavor.

Growing Spacemaster Cucumbers

One of the biggest benefits of Spacemaster cucumbers is how easy they are to grow. Here’s an overview of what these plants need to thrive:

Sunlight: Spacemasters need at least 6-8 hours of full sun per day. More sun equals more cucumbers!

Soil: Spacemasters grow best in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Amend with compost or organic fertilizer before planting. A soil pH between 6.0-6.8 is ideal.

Planting: Sow seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost, or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last spring frost date. Space plants 12-24 inches apart.

Water: Consistent moisture is key. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry and prevent disease. Around 1-1.5 inches per week is sufficient.

Support: A trellis, cage, or stakes can help maximize upright growth. But Spacemasters also grow well unsupported.

Temperature: Germination and growth occur best at 65-75°F. Use row covers if needed to boost soil warmth.

With the right care, Spacemaster cucumbers are highly productive and ideal for small space gardens. Keep reading for more growing tips!

The Benefits of Spacemaster Cucumbers

There are many reasons why Spacemaster cucumbers have become a backyard garden favorite:

• Compact size: Perfect for container and small space gardening. Also great for urban gardens.
• High yields: Each plant produces 8-10 cucumbers, with some bearing over 20 per season.
• Prolific fruiting: Spacemasters continuously set cucumbers for months on end.
• Disease resistance: Tolerant to scab, cucumber mosaic virus, and powdery mildew.
• Tender and crisp: Spacemasters have thin skins and refreshing flavor. They’re delicious sliced fresh or pickled.
• Easy to grow: Simple to cultivate even for beginners. Low maintenance.
• Versatile: Grows well in gardens, containers, raised beds, and greenhouses.

For gardeners challenged by limited space, Spacemaster cucumbers are a perfect solution for harvesting bushels of cukes in tight quarters.

How Much Space do Spacemasters Need?

One of the Spacemaster’s best attributes is its compact footprint. Here are its spacing needs:

• In-ground gardens: Allow 12-24 inches between plants. Plant in rows 2 feet apart.
• Raised beds: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in all directions.
• Containers: 1-2 plants per 12-24 inch pot. Use trellis.
• Indoors: Limit to 1 plant per 12 inch container. Using a trellis will maximize vertical growth.

With proper spacing, each Spacemaster plant will have enough room to reach full size yet still remain compact and tidy. Avoid overcrowding which causes poor air circulation and disease.

Growing Spacemasters in Containers

The ultra-compact size makes Spacemaster cucumbers a perfect choice for container gardening. Follow these tips:

• Use a 12-24 inch pot or other container with drainage holes. Dark colors absorb heat.
• Fill with a lightweight potting mix amended with compost for nutrients.
• Add a trellis or cage for vertical support and improved yields.
• Provide at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Move container to follow sun.
• Water when top inch of soil is dry. Never let plants wilt.
• Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Watch for pests like aphids. Use organic pest control if needed.

With proper care, you can harvest an abundance of cucumbers on your patio or balcony from just 1-2 Spacemaster plants!

The Best Soil for Spacemasters

Spacemaster cucumbers thrive in loose, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Here are some tips for the best soil mix:

• Texture: Aim for a light, fluffy texture. Incorporate compost to improve density.
• Drainage: Spacemasters need excellent drainage to avoid root rot. Mix in perlite or vermiculite.
• Nutrients: Enrich soil with 2-4 inches of compost before planting. Also fertilize every 2-3 weeks.
• pH: Target a pH between 6.0-6.8. Test soil and amend with lime or sulfur if needed.
• Peat moss: Adds nutrients and improves moisture retention. Mix in up to 30%.
• Organic matter: Incorporate aged manure, leaf litter, coconut coir, or other organics.

Proper soil prep is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy, high-yielding Spacemaster crop. Feed your plants and they will feed you!

Spacemaster Cucumber Growth Stages

Now let’s take a closer look at the life cycle and growing habits of Spacemaster cucumbers:

Seedling: Seeds sprout 4-10 days after sowing. Seedlings need consistent moisture and warm soil (65-75°F) to thrive.

Vine development: Once seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, they begin extending vines. Spacemasters grow a main stem with side shoots.

Flowering: Flowers appear at the ends of vines 6-8 weeks after sowing. Like all cucumbers, Spacemasters have mainly male and female blossoms.

Fruiting: Pollinated female flowers form crisp, green cucumbers. Each plant can set 8-10 fruits at a time.

Maturing: Spacemasters reach harvestable size around 2-3 inches long. They’ll keep growing to 6-8 inches if left on the vine.

Harvesting: With frequent picking, Spacemasters will continuously produce cucumbers until frost. Plants decline after 2-3 months.

Caring for Spacemaster Cucumber Plants

Spacemaster cucumbers are generally low-maintenance, but providing optimal care will maximize your harvest:

• Water at soil level to keep foliage dry. target 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
• Use row covers or cloches to boost warmth and growth. Remove at flowering.
• Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks from planting until harvest.
• Train vines upward onto trellises or cages. This improves air circulation and prevents disease.
• Prune overcrowded growth to encourage new fruit production. Also remove any diseased foliage.
• Monitor for pests like aphids, cucumber beetles and squash bugs. Use organic treatments if populations grow high.
• Weed carefully around plants. Mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

With attentive care and ideal growing conditions, Spacemaster cucumber plants will reward you with an abundant harvest!

Ideal Climate Conditions

To yield their best crop, Spacemaster cucumbers require:

• Warm weather: Germinate at 65-75°F. Thrive when daytime temps are 70-85°F.
• Full sun: At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. More sun equals higher yields.
• Humidity: Prefers 40-50% humidity levels. Low humidity can hinder fruiting.
• Moist soil: Soil should remain evenly moist, not soggy or bone dry. Irrigate as needed.
• Protection from wind: Shield plants from strong wind which can damage vines and flowers.
• Long growing season: Needs 50-65 frost-free days to continuously set fruit until fall frosts.

When temperatures climb over 90°F, Spacemaster growth may slow. Providing shade cloth or filtered sunlight can help counteract heat stress.

Growing Spacemasters Indoors

With proper care, Spacemaster cucumbers can also be grown indoors in greenhouses, sunrooms or under grow lights. Here are some tips:

• Provide at least 14-16 hours of daily light. Supplement with LED growing lights.
• Maintain warm temperatures between 75-80°F for best growth.
• Plant in 12 inch or larger containers. Use trellises for support.
• Check soil moisture frequently. Indoor plants dry out quicker.
• Pollinate flowers by hand using a small brush if needed.
• Prune aggressively to keep plants compact and encourage new fruits.
• Monitor closely for pests like whiteflies or fungus gnats.

Indoor Spacemaster cucumbers require attentive care but with proper conditions, you can grow cukes year-round!

Harvesting Spacemaster Cucumbers

One of the joys of growing Spacemasters is harvesting bushels of crisp, green cucumbers:

• Begin picking once fruits reach 2-3 inches long. Harvest every 2-3 days.
• Use pruners or scissors for a clean cut that won’t damage vines.
• Handle carefully to avoid bruises and scratches.
• Leave 1/4-1/2 inch of stem attached when picking.
• Pick in the morning for highest moisture content.
• Chill cucumbers quickly to preserve freshness and flavor.
• Expect yields of 8-10 cucumbers per plant. Pick frequently to encourage more fruit set.
• Harvesting declines as plants age. Expect 2-3 months of high productivity.

For a continuous supply, make successive plantings every 2-3 weeks through early summer. Happy picking!

The Flavor of Spacemaster Cucumbers

One of the best aspects of Spacemasters is their refreshing, crisp flavor:

• Cool and crisp: Juicy texture with good crunch. Very refreshing.
• Clean, bright taste: Subtle grassy notes. Pure cucumber essence without bitterness.
• Thin skin: No need to peel. Skins are tender and easy to digest.
• Few seeds: Seed cavity is small, with mild, edible seeds.
• Mild sweetness: A touch of natural sugar balances the green flavors.
• Versatile uses: Excellent sliced raw in salads, sandwiches, and platters. Also ideal for pickling.

Spacemaster cucumbers are crunchy, juicy and packed with that classic fresh cucumber taste. Their thin skins and lack of bitterness make them perfect for eating straight from the vine.

Pickling with Spacemaster Cucumbers

Thanks to their crisp texture and small size, Spacemaster cucumbers are a favorite for pickling. Here’s how to use them:

• Harvest small: Pick fruits when 2-4 inches for ideal pickle size.
• Check for bumps: Smooth cucumbers make the prettiest pickles.
• Chill quickly: Rapid cooling retains crunch.
• Use canning salt: Non-iodized salt is needed for safety and crispness.
• Heat process jars: After filling with brine and cukes, boil jars to seal and prevent spoilage.
• Add spices: Dill, garlic, peppercorns and other aromatics infuse flavor.
• Store 3-6 months: Homemade pickles keep refrigerated for up to 1 year.

From bread-and-butters to kosher dills, Spacemaster cucumbers make crunchy, full-flavored pickles with great texture.

How Spacemasters Compare to Other Cucumbers

So how do Spacemaster cucumbers stack up against other popular varieties? Here’s a quick comparison:

• Bush habit: Much more compact than vining types like Marketmore. Perfect for small spaces.
• Disease resistance: More tolerant of diseases than heirlooms like Lemon.
• Thin skins: Just as easy to digest as thin-skinned Japanese cukes.
• Mild flavor: Similar to English or gourmet types. No bitterness.
• Heavy yields: Out-produces many standard varieties like Kirby.
• Smaller size: 6-8 inches long. Picklers prefer 2-4 inch size.
• No pollinators needed: Parthenocarpic setting allows indoor growth.

For home gardeners wanting compact plants and heavy yields, Spacemaster is a top choice among the many cucumber varieties available.

Where to Buy Spacemaster Cucumber Seeds

Spacemaster cucumber seeds are sold by most major garden seed companies including:

• Burpee
• Park Seed
• Harris Seeds
• Johnny’s Selected Seeds
• Seed Savers Exchange
• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
• Botanical Interests
• Renee’s Garden Seeds
• Kitazawa Seed Company
• Territorial Seed Company
• Vesey’s Seeds

Seeds are widely available online and at most garden centers. Be sure to source from reputable suppliers for best germination rates.

Spacemasters are a great variety for home gardens, so grab some seeds and get growing!

Using Trellises for Spacemasters

Adding a trellis or other vertical support can maximize Spacemaster cucumber yields in a small footprint. Here are some tips:

• Use tall cages around plants to encourage upward vine growth.
• Install trellises and gently tie main vines to supports as they lengthen.
• Position teepees over plants and train vines up the sides.
• Allow 1-2 plants per obelisk or pyramid-shaped support.
• Attach horizontal netting above plants for vines to grow through.
• Make easy tepees from bamboo canes with twine or tape joining the tips.

Go vertical with Spacemasters! Proper trellising improves air circulation and light exposure for healthier, more prolific plants.

Preventing Bitter Flavor

One downside of some cucumbers is a bitter taste caused by cucurbitacins. To prevent bitterness in Spacemasters:

• Maintain even soil moisture. Fluctuating water can trigger bitterness.
• Avoid temperature extremes. Keep plants below 90°F and above 55°F.
• Pick fruits young. Bitterness intensifies as cucumbers mature past ideal size.
• Reduce plant stress. Healthy, vigorous vines produce the sweetest cukes.
• Get the soil pH right. Very low or high pH can induce bitterness in crops.
• Grow resistant varieties like Spacemaster. Bitterness is a genetic trait.

With proper growing conditions, Spacemaster cucumbers will reward you with a crisp, refreshing flavor free of bitterness.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even healthy Spacemaster plants can occasionally have issues. Here are some common problems and fixes:

• Slow growth: Boost light, warmth, and fertilization. Avoid overwatering.
• Flowers falling off: Improve pollination. Mist blossoms daily to encourage fruit set.
• Misshapen fruits: Inadequate pollination is the most common cause of crooked or bumpy cukes.
• Holes in leaves: Squash bugs or cucumber beetles are likely culprits. Remove pests and use row covers.
• Wilting vines: Check roots for rot and soil for adequate moisture. Overwatering causes most wilts.
• Yellowing leaves: Usually a sign of nitrogen deficiency. Fertilize more or conduct soil test.

Pay close attention and you can catch most issues early before they significantly impact your Spacemaster cucumber harvest.

Conclusion

For gardeners with limited space, Spacemaster cucumbers are one of the best choices out there. These compact, high-yielding plants allow you to grow pounds of delicious cucumbers on a balcony, patio or small garden plot.

We’ve covered all the key details for successfully cultivating Spacemasters in this complete growing guide. Follow the tips above and you’ll be rewarded with an abundant harvest of crisp, juicy cukes all season long.

Happy gardening!