How to Grow Spacemaster 80 Cucumbers: Facts, Information, Tips, and Advice

Spacemaster 80 is a compact cucumber variety perfect for small gardens, containers, or tight spaces. Despite its smaller size, Spacemaster 80 produces full-sized, crisp cucumbers with great flavor. This dwarf variety is perfect for gardeners who want a bountiful cucumber harvest but have limited growing space.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to grow Spacemaster 80 cucumbers, including planting instructions, care tips, and common pest management. Whether you’re growing cucumbers on your patio, in a raised bed, or a small allotment, Spacemaster 80 is a reliable, easy-to-grow variety.

Key Facts About Spacemaster 80 Cucumber

Type: Slicing cucumber (compact/bush variety)
Size: 7-8 inches long
Shape: Smooth and straight
Color: Dark green
Taste: Mild, crisp, and refreshing
Days to maturity: 55-60 days
Growth habit: Compact, bush variety
Best for: Container gardening, small spaces, fresh eating, and slicing

Why Choose Spacemaster 80 Cucumbers?

Spacemaster 80 is a top choice for gardeners with limited space. Its bush habit means the plant takes up much less room than traditional vining cucumber varieties, making it ideal for containers, small gardens, or raised beds. Despite its compact size, Spacemaster 80 produces plenty of cucumbers that are just as large and flavorful as those grown on full-sized cucumber plants.

This variety is also resistant to common diseases like powdery mildew, making it a low-maintenance option for beginners or gardeners in humid climates.

Growing Spacemaster 80 Cucumbers

1. Choosing the Right Location

Spacemaster 80 thrives in full sunlight, so choose a location in your garden or balcony that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Cucumbers love warmth and sunlight, so ensuring they have a sunny spot will promote healthy growth and abundant fruiting.

Soil Requirements:

Spacemaster 80 prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure before planting to ensure proper drainage and nutrition.

2. Planting Spacemaster 80 Cucumbers

You can either start Spacemaster 80 seeds indoors or sow them directly into your garden or containers once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C).

Starting Indoors:

Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep in small pots or seed trays.
Keep the soil consistently moist and warm (around 70-75°F) for good germination.
Transplant the seedlings outdoors when they have 2-3 true leaves and after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing:

Sow seeds directly into the garden or containers after the soil has warmed up and the last frost has passed.
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and space them about 18-24 inches apart in the garden or in containers.
Water the seeds thoroughly after planting to promote germination.

3. Caring for Spacemaster 80 Cucumbers

Despite its compact size, Spacemaster 80 requires similar care to other cucumber varieties to ensure healthy growth and an abundant harvest.

Watering:

Cucumbers need consistent moisture to produce crisp, non-bitter fruits. Aim to provide 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on rainfall.
Water early in the morning and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Fertilizing:

Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) when the plants are about 6 inches tall to support growth.
You can side-dress with compost or organic fertilizer once the plants start flowering to boost fruit production.

Mulching:

Use mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic mulch such as straw or shredded leaves works well.

Container Growing:

Spacemaster 80 is perfect for growing in containers due to its compact habit. Use a 12-inch deep container or larger for the best results.
Make sure the container has good drainage and fill it with high-quality potting mix enriched with organic matter.

4. Pest and Disease Management

Spacemaster 80 is a relatively hardy variety with resistance to many common cucumber diseases, including powdery mildew. However, you should still keep an eye out for common pests and issues.

Common Pests:

Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or spray with insecticidal soap to control aphids.
Cucumber beetles: These pests can damage leaves and spread diseases like bacterial wilt. Use row covers to protect young plants and apply neem oil to deter cucumber beetles.
Spider mites: Spider mites thrive in dry conditions and can damage leaves. Keep the plants well-watered and use neem oil to control infestations.

Common Diseases:

Powdery mildew: Spacemaster 80 is resistant to powdery mildew, but it can still occur in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove any infected leaves to prevent its spread.
Downy mildew: This fungal disease causes yellow spots on leaves. To avoid it, plant cucumbers in well-drained soil and provide good air circulation.

5. Harvesting Spacemaster 80 Cucumbers

Spacemaster 80 cucumbers are typically ready to harvest 55-60 days after planting. The fruits are best when harvested at 7-8 inches long, while they’re still firm and tender.

Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the cucumbers from the plant, leaving a small section of the stem attached.
Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit, so check your plants daily during the peak harvest season.

Harvesting Tips:

Pick cucumbers when they are still young and tender for the best flavor and texture.
If left on the plant too long, cucumbers can become overripe and lose their crispness, so be sure to harvest them regularly.

6. Storing Spacemaster 80 Cucumbers

Once harvested, Spacemaster 80 cucumbers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. To keep them fresh:

Store cucumbers in a perforated plastic bag or wrap them in a paper towel to maintain moisture.
Place them in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

Avoid storing cucumbers near ethylene-producing fruits such as apples and bananas, as this can cause them to spoil more quickly.

Common Questions and Answers About Growing Spacemaster 80 Cucumbers

Q: How long does it take for Spacemaster 80 cucumbers to mature?
A: Spacemaster 80 cucumbers typically take 55-60 days to mature from seed.

Q: Can Spacemaster 80 cucumbers be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Spacemaster 80 cucumbers are perfect for growing in containers. They are a bush variety, meaning they don’t require as much space as traditional vining cucumbers. Use a large pot, at least 12 inches deep, with good drainage.

Q: How often should I water my Spacemaster 80 cucumbers?
A: Water your Spacemaster 80 cucumbers consistently, providing 1-2 inches of water per week. Water early in the morning, and avoid wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.

Q: Do Spacemaster 80 cucumbers need a trellis?
A: Spacemaster 80 is a compact, bush variety and typically doesn’t require a trellis, making it great for small spaces or containers. However, you can still provide a small support structure if desired.

Q: How can I tell when my Spacemaster 80 cucumbers are ready to harvest?
A: Spacemaster 80 cucumbers are ready to harvest when they are 7-8 inches long and still firm. Be sure to harvest regularly to keep the plant producing more cucumbers.

Q: What are the common pests that affect Spacemaster 80 cucumbers?
A: The most common pests include aphids, cucumber beetles, and spider mites. Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects to manage these pests.

Conclusion

Growing Spacemaster 80 cucumbers is an excellent choice for gardeners with limited space or those who want a high-yielding cucumber variety that doesn’t require much room. With proper care, including consistent watering, fertilizing, and regular harvesting, you’ll enjoy an abundant harvest of crisp, mild cucumbers perfect for fresh eating and slicing. Whether you’re growing them in containers or a small garden plot, Spacemaster 80 is a reliable, rewarding variety for any gardener.

Learn more about all the different cucumber varieties here