Ashley Cucumber - 20 Seeds

Ashley Cucumber is a classic heirloom slicing cucumber variety developed by Clemson University in the 1950s. It is prized for its vigorous growth, heat tolerance, and ability to produce high yields even in warm, humid climates. It’s a dependable choice for home gardens, especially in the warmer regions. Ashley cucumber is perfect for beginner and experienced gardeners alike—productive, tasty, and reliable even in challenging climates.

Growth habit Vining (can be trellised or left to sprawl)

Fruit length 15–20 cm

Shape Uniformly cylindrical, slightly tapered at the ends

Skin Dark green with faint ridges and light speckling; slightly warty but tender

Flesh Crisp, juicy, mild flavour with minimal bitterness

Use Ideal for slicing fresh into salads, sandwiches, or pickling when young

Maturity 55–65 days from sowing

Pollination Open-pollinated (attracts bees and pollinators)

Ashley is known for its disease resistance, particularly to downy mildew, and continues producing throughout the summer if harvested regularly.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)

Soil Loose, rich, well-draining soil enriched with compost

pH Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–6.8)

Watering Consistent moisture is essential—deep watering at the base helps avoid bitter fruits

Trellising Encouraged to save space, improve airflow, and keep fruit clean

Temperature Prefers warm temperatures (18–30°C)

Spacing 30–45 cm apart for vining plants (with trellis) or 90 cm if allowed to sprawl

Sowing Instructions

When to sow

Outdoors 1–2 weeks after the last frost, once soil is 18°C+

Indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost date (use biodegradable pots to avoid root disturbance)

Seed depth 1.5–2 cm

Germination temp 21–30°C

Germination time 5–10 days

Spacing

Trellised 30–45 cm apart

Ground 90 cm apart in rows 1.2–1.5 m apart

Transplanting If starting indoors, transplant gently to avoid root shock

Succession planting Sow every 2–3 weeks until midsummer for continuous harvests

Common Pests & Problems

Ashley cucumbers are resilient, but still vulnerable to a few classic cucumber pests and diseases

Pests

Cucumber beetles Yellow-green with stripes or spots; chew leaves and spread bacterial wilt – use row covers early and trap crops

Aphids Cluster under leaves, causing distortion – control with neem oil or insecticidal soap

Squash bugs Suck sap and cause wilting – handpick and destroy eggs under leaves

Spider mites Cause stippling and webbing in dry heat – rinse or use miticide

Whiteflies Sap-sucking pests – use sticky traps and neem oil

Cutworms May sever seedlings – use collars around young plants

Diseases

Downy mildew Ashley is tolerant, but in very humid conditions it may appear – improve airflow, avoid overhead watering

Powdery mildew White powdery patches on leaves – treat with organic fungicide or milk spray

Bacterial wilt Spread by cucumber beetles – no cure; remove affected plants promptly

Fusarium wilt Soil-borne; crop rotation and resistant varieties help prevent it

Harvesting Tips

Begin harvesting when fruits are 15–20 cm long and dark green

Pick regularly (every 1–2 days) to encourage continuous production

Use clean shears or twist off gently to avoid damaging vines

Avoid oversized fruits, which can be bitter and reduce overall yield