How to Grow Marketmore 76 Cucumbers: Facts, Information, Tips, and Advice

Marketmore 76 is one of the most popular cucumber varieties for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Known for its disease resistance, ease of growth, and excellent taste, this variety produces long, dark green cucumbers that are crisp, tender, and perfect for slicing. If you’re looking for a reliable cucumber that thrives in a variety of growing conditions, Marketmore 76 is an excellent choice.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow Marketmore 76 cucumbers, from planting tips and care to harvesting and troubleshooting common issues. Let’s get started!

Key Facts About Marketmore 76

Type: Slicing cucumber
Size: 8-9 inches long
Skin: Dark green with a smooth texture
Taste: Crisp, mild, and non-bitter
Growth habit: Vining
Days to maturity: 60-70 days from sowing
Resistance: Resistant to downy mildew, powdery mildew, and cucumber mosaic virus
Best for: Fresh eating, salads, and slicing

Why Choose Marketmore 76?

Marketmore 76 is highly prized for its disease resistance, making it one of the most reliable cucumbers to grow. It’s an open-pollinated variety, meaning it will produce true seeds that can be saved and replanted in future seasons. This variety performs well in both warm and cool climates, and its cucumbers have a mild, sweet flavor, perfect for slicing into salads or eating fresh.

Growing Marketmore 76 Cucumbers

1. Choosing the Right Location

Like most cucumber varieties, Marketmore 76 thrives in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Cucumbers need plenty of warmth and sunlight to produce the best yields.

Soil Requirements:

Cucumbers prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to promote healthy growth.

2. Planting Marketmore 76 Cucumbers

You can either start Marketmore 76 seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before the last frost or sow them directly in the garden after the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C).

Starting Indoors:

Sow seeds in biodegradable pots or seed trays, planting them about 1/2 inch deep.
Keep the soil moist and warm, ideally between 70-75°F (21-24°C).
Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are about 3-4 weeks old and after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing:

Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in rows or hills. If planting in rows, space the seeds 12 inches apart with rows about 3 feet apart. For hill planting, place 3-4 seeds per hill, spacing the hills about 3 feet apart.
Water the seeds well after planting to encourage germination.

3. Caring for Your Marketmore 76 Cucumbers

Once planted, cucumbers need consistent care to thrive. Here are some tips for ensuring a healthy, productive crop:

Watering:

Water consistently, aiming for 1-2 inches of water per week. Cucumbers are shallow-rooted and need regular watering to prevent bitterness and promote healthy growth.
Water early in the morning and avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing:

Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) when the plants are about 6 inches tall.
Side-dress with compost or fertilizer again when the vines begin to flower and produce fruit.

Trellising:

Although Marketmore 76 cucumbers can be grown on the ground, trellising can improve air circulation, reduce the risk of pests, and make harvesting easier. Using a vertical trellis will also keep the cucumbers clean and save space in your garden.

Mulching:

Apply mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulch such as straw or shredded leaves works best.

4. Pest and Disease Management

Marketmore 76 is resistant to several common cucumber diseases, including powdery mildew, downy mildew, and cucumber mosaic virus. However, it’s still important to monitor for pests and other potential issues:

Aphids: These small insects can be controlled by spraying plants with insecticidal soap or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Cucumber beetles: Use row covers or hand-pick beetles off the plants. Neem oil can also help deter them.
Powdery mildew: Although Marketmore 76 is resistant, good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent mildew.

5. Harvesting Marketmore 76 Cucumbers

Marketmore 76 cucumbers are ready to harvest about 60-70 days after sowing. Harvest cucumbers when they are 8-9 inches long and still firm. Check your plants daily, as cucumbers grow quickly and can become overripe if left too long on the vine.

Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the cucumbers off the vine, leaving a small section of the stem attached.
Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more cucumbers.

6. Storing Cucumbers

Freshly harvested cucumbers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. To keep them fresh:

Place cucumbers in a perforated plastic bag to allow airflow.
Store them in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

Avoid storing cucumbers near ethylene-producing fruits like apples or bananas, as this can cause them to spoil faster.

Common Questions and Answers About Growing Marketmore 76 Cucumbers

Q: How long does it take for Marketmore 76 cucumbers to mature?
A: Marketmore 76 cucumbers typically take 60-70 days to mature from seed.

Q: Can Marketmore 76 cucumbers be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Marketmore 76 can be grown in large containers or grow bags. Make sure the container is at least 12 inches deep and wide, and provide a trellis or support for the vines.

Q: How often should I water my Marketmore 76 cucumbers?
A: Cucumbers need consistent moisture, so aim to water them deeply 1-2 times per week, providing 1-2 inches of water each time. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Q: What are the common pests that affect Marketmore 76 cucumbers?
A: The most common pests include aphids, cucumber beetles, and spider mites. Neem oil, insecticidal soap, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs can help manage these pests.

Q: Why are my cucumbers bitter?
A: Bitter cucumbers are often the result of inconsistent watering or high temperatures. Ensure your cucumbers are receiving enough water and mulch to retain soil moisture.

Q: Should I prune my cucumber vines?
A: While it’s not necessary, pruning cucumber vines can help manage their growth and improve air circulation. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves and prune excessive side shoots if the vines become too crowded.

Conclusion

Growing Marketmore 76 cucumbers is a rewarding experience for any gardener, thanks to their reliability, disease resistance, and delicious flavor. With proper care, you can enjoy an abundant harvest of crisp, mild cucumbers perfect for fresh eating, salads, and slicing. Follow the tips and advice in this guide to ensure a successful crop of Marketmore 76 cucumbers in your garden or allotment.

Learn more about all the different cucumber varieties here