Ashley Cucumber
Cucumis sativus 'Ashley'
A heat-tolerant southern favorite developed specifically for hot, humid climates where other cucumbers fail. This reliable heirloom produces abundant 7-8 inch dark green fruits with crisp, mild flesh and excellent disease resistance. Ashley's ability to keep producing through summer heat makes it invaluable for gardeners in challenging growing conditions.
Harvest
65-70d
Days to harvest
Sun
White-Tailed Deer
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
8-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Ashley Cucumber in USDA Zone 7
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Ashley Cucumber · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May – May | June – July | June – August | September – October |
| Zone 4 | April – May | June – June | June – July | September – October |
| Zone 5 | April – April | May – June | May – July | August – October |
| Zone 6 | April – April | May – June | May – July | August – September |
| Zone 7 | March – April | May – May | May – June | July – September |
| Zone 8 | March – March | April – May | April – June | July – August |
| Zone 9 | February – February | March – April | March – May | June – July |
| Zone 10 | January – February | March – March | March – April | May – July |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: White-Tailed Deer. Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 3 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The "vegetable" is botanically a fruit– it is a pepo, a berry with a hard rind. Long and cylindrical, starting out prickly when young and smoothing out to a bumpy surface as it matures. Length and girth can vary based on cultivar and culinary purpose but grow at least 3 in long. Some varieties are bred to be seedless.
Color: Green. Type: Berry. Length: > 3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Fruits are commonly eaten raw or pickled. Fresh cucumbers last in the fridge for about a week.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Ashley cucumbers keep best in the refrigerator crisper drawer, wrapped loosely in plastic or stored in a perforated bag to maintain humidity while preventing moisture buildup. They'll stay crisp for 7-10 days when stored at 55-60°F. Avoid storing near apples, tomatoes, or melons, which release ethylene gas that causes cucumbers to yellow and develop bitter flavors.
For preservation, Ashley's mild flavor and crisp texture make it excellent for bread-and-butter pickles or dill pickles using water bath canning methods. Small fruits (3-4 inches) work best for whole pickles, while larger ones are perfect sliced for relish. Quick refrigerator pickles will keep for up to a month. While cucumbers don't freeze well fresh due to their high water content, you can freeze them in prepared dishes like gazpacho or cucumber soup.
History & Origin
Origin: Himalaya to Northern Thailand
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Heat
- +Attracts: Bees
- +Edible: Fruits are commonly eaten raw or pickled. Fresh cucumbers last in the fridge for about a week.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Basil
Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips while potentially improving cucumber flavor
Marigold
Deters cucumber beetles, aphids, and nematodes with natural compounds
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for cucumber beetles and aphids, draws pests away
Radish
Repels cucumber beetles and improves soil structure without competing for space
Lettuce
Provides ground cover to retain moisture and suppress weeds under cucumber vines
Bush Beans
Fixes nitrogen in soil to benefit heavy-feeding cucumbers
Sunflower
Provides natural trellis support and attracts beneficial pollinators
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control cucumber pests
Keep Apart
Aromatic Herbs
Strong-scented herbs like sage can stunt cucumber growth and affect flavor
Melon
Competes for nutrients and space, increases risk of shared diseases like bacterial wilt
Potato
May increase susceptibility to blight diseases and compete heavily for nutrients
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169225)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to downy mildew and scab
Common Pests
Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, aphids
Diseases
Bacterial wilt, powdery mildew, angular leaf spot