Cucumber ‘Spacemaster’ is a compact, bushy variety of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), bred specifically for growing in small spaces such as containers, raised beds, or urban gardens. This dwarf variety produces full-sized cucumbers, typically around 15-20 centimetres in length, with a crisp texture and mild flavour. Due to its manageable size, it’s a great option for gardeners who are short on space but still want to enjoy home-grown cucumbers.

In the garden, Spacemaster cucumbers are prized for their space-saving growth habit. The plant’s compact vines don’t spread as much as other cucumber varieties, making it ideal for container gardening or smaller plots. Despite its size, it is a prolific producer and can yield an abundance of fruit throughout the growing season. It also works well as a ground cover, shading the soil to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

Cucumbers from the Spacemaster variety are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They can be eaten fresh, sliced into salads or sandwiches, and are perfect for pickling due to their size. For salads, you can combine fresh cucumbers with tomatoes, onions, and a light vinaigrette. They are also great in cucumber and yoghurt dips such as tzatziki, or thinly sliced for sushi and wraps. Another favourite use is in cucumber-infused water or cold soups like gazpacho, where their cool, refreshing flavour shines.

How to grow your seeds:

Growing Spacemaster cucumbers from seed is simple, and they thrive in most Australian climates, particularly in warmer regions. The best time to sow cucumber seeds is in late spring to early summer (October to December), once the soil temperature has reached at least 18°C. Cucumbers prefer full sun and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure, as cucumbers are heavy feeders and benefit from fertile soil.

To plant Spacemaster cucumbers, sow the seeds directly into the garden or container after the last frost. If you’re growing them in containers, use pots that are at least 30 centimetres deep to allow enough room for the roots. Plant the seeds about 2 centimetres deep and space them 30-40 centimetres apart if growing in the ground. If you’re using containers, you can plant 2-3 seeds per pot, and thin them down to the strongest seedling once they sprout.

After planting, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Cucumbers need consistent moisture, especially when the plants are young and during fruiting. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil stays evenly moist. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and reduce weed competition. Spacemaster cucumbers benefit from a trellis or some form of support, which keeps the fruit off the ground, reducing the risk of rot and making harvesting easier.

Cucumber seeds usually germinate within 5-10 days, and the plants will start producing fruit in about 50-60 days. As soon as the cucumbers reach a suitable size, around 15-20 centimetres, they can be harvested. Regular picking encourages the plant to continue producing fruit throughout the season.

Spacemaster cucumbers are a great addition to any garden, particularly where space is limited. With proper care, they will reward you with an abundant harvest that can be used fresh in salads, sandwiches, dips, or for pickling!