Organic 'Marketer' Cucumber
Organic 'Marketer' cucumber (Cucumis sativus) from the seed company Gaia, an award-winning heirloom variety with a mild and versatile flavor
The 'Marketer' cucumber develops vigorous, well-balanced plants supported by medium-green foliage that effectively protects the fruit. The cucumbers are elongated and uniform , reaching approximately 22 to 23 cm in length, with dark green skin and crisp, juicy, and sweet flesh that is less bitter than that of many other varieties. Their texture and flavor make them an excellent choice for both fresh consumption and processing.
Winner of the All-America Selections award in 1943 , 'Marketer' is a heritage variety renowned for its reliability , hardiness , and consistent yield . Harvested young, it is perfectly suited for pickles , while at full size it excels in slices and salads , which explains its enduring popularity with gardeners and market gardeners.
Companion plants: Radish, Bean, Dill, Marigold, Nasturtium, Sunflower, Onion, Pea, Tansy, Corn, Beetroot, Oregano
Negative plants: Potato, Melon, Aromatic herbs including Sage
Spread/Port: Creeping
Plant height: 40 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet: 20 seeds
Certification: Certified organic
Special features: Award-winning heirloom variety (AAS 1943), sweet flavor, versatile fruit, reliable production
Leaf color: Medium green
Texture/flavor: Crisp, soft, slightly sweet flesh
Cold tolerance: Sensitive to frost
Farming method
Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for up to 24 hours and lightly scarify them to improve germination. Sow at a depth of 1.2 cm , either by starting the seedlings indoors 3 to 4 weeks before planting out , or directly outdoors once all risk of frost has passed . Space plants 30 to 60 cm apart and rows 60 to 90 cm apart , in rich, loose, and well-drained soil .
Cucumbers prefer full sun (level 3) and consistent watering (level 3) . An ambient temperature of around 21°C promotes steady growth and good fruit set.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the fruit every day or every other day to prevent it from overripening and slowing down production. Fresh cucumbers can be stored for up to 10 days at 10-12°C , with high humidity around 95% .
Usage ideas
• Freshly sliced in salads
• Used for sandwiches and cold dishes
• Harvested young for pickles
• Consumed plain for its mildness
• Reliable variety for family vegetable gardens
The ' Marketer' cucumber remains a historical benchmark , prized for its sweetness , culinary versatility , and consistent cultivation . A reliable vegetable garden staple, it inherits its heritage from the great market gardening selections of the 20th century.
