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Diva

Cucumis sativus

Diva's seedless, thin-skinned cucumbers are distinctly crisp, sweet, and bitter-free. Adapted to open-field production and protected cropping. A fantastic variety for the home garden. Harvest at 5-7". Parthenocarpic. AAS Winner. Also available treated.

Harvest

58d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

White-Tailed Deer

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

8-18 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Diva in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 cucumber →

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

Diva · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with high organic matter content

pH6.0-6.8

Water1-2 inches per week, consistent moisture important

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorExceptionally crisp, sweet, mild flavor with no bitterness

ColorGlossy dark green

Size5-7".

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	May – May	June – July	June – August	August – October
Zone 4	April – May	June – June	June – July	August – October
Zone 5	April – April	May – June	May – July	August – September
Zone 6	April – April	May – June	May – July	July – September
Zone 7	March – April	May – May	May – June	July – August
Zone 8	March – March	April – May	April – June	June – August
Zone 9	February – February	March – April	March – May	May – July
Zone 10	January – February	March – March	March – April	May – June

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

Store freshly harvested Diva cucumbers in the refrigerator crisper drawer wrapped loosely in perforated plastic bags to maintain humidity while allowing air circulation. They'll maintain peak quality for 7-10 days when stored at 50-55°F - standard refrigerator temperature is actually too cold and can cause chilling injury.

For short-term storage, keep unwashed cucumbers on the counter for 2-3 days maximum. Wash only just before use to prevent premature spoilage.

Diva's crisp texture and mild flavor make it excellent for refrigerator pickles - slice and pack in vinegar brine for quick pickles ready in 24 hours. The seedless nature means no need to remove seeds before pickling. For longer preservation, try fermenting thick spears in salt brine for traditional dill pickles, or dehydrate thin slices for crispy cucumber chips. Freezing isn't recommended as it destroys the signature crisp texture that makes Diva special.

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 squash bugs

Radish

Repels cucumber beetles and doesn't compete for space due to quick harvest

Beans

Fix nitrogen in soil and provide natural trellis support for cucumber vines

Corn

Provides natural support structure and shade without root competition

Sunflower

Offers natural trellis support and attracts beneficial predatory insects

Dill

Attracts beneficial wasps and predatory insects that control cucumber pests

Aromatic Herbs

Oregano, thyme, and chives mask cucumber scent from pest insects

Keep Apart

Potato

Competes heavily for nutrients and may increase disease susceptibility

Sage

Allelopathic properties can inhibit cucumber growth and germination

Fennel

Strong allelopathic effects inhibit growth of cucumbers and most vegetables

Nutrition Facts

Calories

10kcal(1%)

Protein

0.59g(1%)

Fiber

0.7g(3%)

Carbs

2.16g(1%)

Fat

0.16g(0%)

Vitamin C

3.2mg(4%)

Vitamin A

4mcg(0%)

Vitamin K

7.2mcg(6%)

Iron

0.22mg(1%)

Calcium

14mg(1%)

Potassium

136mg(3%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169225)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Cucumber Vein Yellowing Virus (Intermediate); Powdery Mildew (Intermediate); Scab (High)

Common Pests

Cucumber beetles, aphids, thrips

Diseases

Bacterial wilt, angular leaf spot

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Diva cucumber take to grow from seed?▼

Diva cucumbers take 58-68 days from seed to first harvest. You'll typically see germination in 7-10 days with soil temperatures above 65°F, flowering begins around 35-40 days, and first fruits are ready to pick about 3 weeks after flowering starts. Consistent harvesting ensures continuous production through the growing season.

Can you grow Diva cucumbers in containers?▼

Yes, Diva is excellent for container growing due to its compact vine habit. Use containers at least 20 gallons with drainage holes, and provide a trellis or cage for support. Place containers where they'll receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight and water more frequently than garden plants since containers dry out faster.

Is Diva cucumber good for beginners?▼

Absolutely - Diva is rated as easy to grow and perfect for beginners. Its parthenocarpic nature eliminates pollination concerns, excellent disease resistance reduces spray needs, and the compact growth is manageable in small spaces. The variety is forgiving and produces reliably even with minor care mistakes.

Do Diva cucumbers need male plants to produce fruit?▼

No, Diva cucumbers are parthenocarpic, meaning they produce fruit without pollination or male plants. This is actually preferred - if grown near male plants or other cucumber varieties, the fruits may develop seeds and lose their prized seedless quality. Grow them isolated for best results.

What does Diva cucumber taste like compared to regular cucumbers?▼

Diva has an exceptionally crisp texture with sweet, mild flavor and zero bitterness. The taste is cleaner and more refined than standard slicing cucumbers, with a satisfying crunch that holds up well in salads. The seedless nature provides a smoother eating experience without the watery seed cavity typical of other varieties.

When should I plant Diva cucumber seeds?▼

Plant Diva cucumber seeds when soil temperature reaches 65°F consistently - typically 1-2 weeks after your last frost date. For earlier harvests, start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost, maintaining 70-80°F soil temperature for optimal germination. Cold soil below 60°F will cause poor germination or seed rot.