Organic 'Wisconsin' Cucumber
Organic 'Wisconsin SMR 58' cucumber (Cucumis sativus) from the seed company Gaia, a productive and resistant variety ideal for canning
The 'Wisconsin SMR 58' cucumber develops long, vigorous vines , capable of extending between 120 and 240 cm , supported by dense, protective, medium-green foliage . The short, uniform fruits typically measure 10 to 15 cm , with a uniform green skin and crisp, sweet, firm flesh, particularly prized for pickling and preserving.
Developed at the University of Wisconsin in 1959 , this variety is known for its continuous growth and natural resistance to scab and cucumber mosaic virus . Frequent harvesting ensures abundant and prolonged production throughout the season. Vertical training is recommended to obtain straight, well-colored fruit of consistent quality.
Companion plants: Radish, Bean, Dill, Marigold, Nasturtium, Sunflower, Onion, Pea, Tansy, Corn, Beetroot, Oregano
Negative plants: Potato, Melon, Aromatic herbs including Sage
Spread/carrying: Creeping to climbing
Plant height: 120 to 240 cm
Quantity per packet: 20 seeds
Certification: Certified organic
Special features: Ideal for canning, disease resistant, continuous production, uniform fruit, trellising recommended
Leaf color: Medium green
Texture/flavor: Crisp, firm, 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 encourage even 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 vigorous growth and rapid fruiting.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the fruit every day or every other day to prevent it from overripening and slowing down production. Fresh fruit can be stored for up to 10 days at 10-12°C , with high humidity around 95% .
Usage ideas
• Homemade pickles and preserves
• Marinades and pickles
• Consumed young for its firmness
• Regular vegetable production
• Trellised cultivation for uniform fruit
The ' Wisconsin SMR 58' cucumber is a proven benchmark , combining resistance , yield and fruit quality , ideal for gardeners and preservers looking for a reliable and productive variety.
