Marketmore 80

Cucumis sativus 'Marketmore 80'

An improved version of the classic Marketmore series, this open-pollinated slicing cucumber offers exceptional disease resistance and reliable production for home gardeners. The vigorous vines produce dark green, straight fruits with crisp texture and mild flavor that never turns bitter. This variety has become a standard in home gardens due to its consistent performance and excellent keeping quality.

Harvest

68-70d

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 Marketmore 80 in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 cucumber →

Zone Map

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Marketmore 80 · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with high organic matter

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-2 inches per week, deep consistent watering

SeasonWarm season

FlavorCrisp, refreshing, mild and never bitter

ColorDark green

Size8-9 inches long

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

Store freshly harvested Marketmore 80 cucumbers in the refrigerator crisper drawer at 50-55°F with high humidity for maximum shelf life of 7-10 days. Wrap individual cucumbers in paper towels to absorb excess moisture and prevent decay. Avoid storing near ethylene-producing fruits like tomatoes and melons, which accelerate ripening and decay.

For preservation, slice cucumbers for refrigerator pickles using a simple vinegar brine—their crisp texture holds well for quick pickles that last 2-3 weeks refrigerated. Marketmore 80's never-bitter flavor makes excellent fermented pickles using traditional salt-brine methods. Dehydrate thin slices at 135°F for crispy cucumber chips. While freezing destroys the crisp texture, frozen cucumber works well in smoothies and cold soups like gazpacho.

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

Radishes

Deters cucumber beetles and borers, breaks up soil for cucumber roots

Marigolds

Repels cucumber beetles, aphids, and nematodes with natural compounds

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for cucumber beetles and aphids, deters squash bugs

Corn

Provides natural trellis support and shade, complementary root zones

Beans

Fixes nitrogen in soil for cucumber uptake, compatible growth habits

Lettuce

Efficient space use as ground cover, similar water and nutrient needs

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects that prey on cucumber pests

Keep Apart

Aromatic Herbs

Strong herbs like sage can stunt cucumber growth and affect flavor

Potatoes

Compete for similar nutrients and may increase disease susceptibility

Melons

Attract same pests and diseases, cross-pollination can affect fruit quality

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

Excellent resistance to cucumber mosaic virus, downy mildew, powdery mildew, and angular leaf spot

Common Pests

Cucumber beetles, aphids, spider mites

Diseases

Bacterial wilt, anthracnose

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Marketmore 80 take to grow from seed?▼

Marketmore 80 takes 68-70 days from seed to first harvest. Seeds germinate in 7-10 days in warm soil, and plants begin flowering around 45-50 days. The first fruits are ready to harvest about 2-3 weeks after flowering begins. For continuous production, harvest regularly to encourage new fruit development until first frost.

Can you grow Marketmore 80 cucumbers in containers?▼

Yes, Marketmore 80 grows well in large containers at least 20 gallons with good drainage. Use a sturdy trellis system since the vigorous vines can reach 6 feet. Container growing requires more frequent watering and fertilizing than ground cultivation. Choose a location with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight and protect from strong winds that can damage the vines.

Is Marketmore 80 good for beginner gardeners?▼

Marketmore 80 is excellent for beginners due to its exceptional disease resistance and forgiving nature. The variety tolerates minor growing mistakes better than many cucumbers and never develops bitter flavors. However, beginners should focus on consistent watering and providing adequate support for the vigorous vines. The open-pollinated nature also allows new gardeners to save seeds and learn breeding basics.

What does Marketmore 80 cucumber taste like?▼

Marketmore 80 has a classic cucumber flavor—crisp, refreshing, and mildly sweet with no bitter aftertaste. The flesh is firm and crunchy with small, soft seeds. Unlike some varieties that can develop bitterness from stress or overripening, this variety maintains its mild, pleasant flavor even in less-than-ideal conditions, making it reliable for fresh eating and salads.

When should I plant Marketmore 80 cucumber seeds?▼

Plant Marketmore 80 seeds outdoors 2-3 weeks after your last frost date when soil temperature consistently reaches 65°F. For earlier harvest, start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost and transplant after soil warms. In northern zones, plant by mid-June for harvest before fall frost. Southern gardeners can succession plant every 2-3 weeks through mid-summer.

How do you prevent bacterial wilt in Marketmore 80 cucumbers?▼

Prevent bacterial wilt by controlling cucumber beetles, which spread the disease. Use row covers during early growth, apply beneficial nematodes to soil, and hand-pick beetles in morning when they're sluggish. Yellow sticky traps help monitor populations. Remove any infected plants immediately and avoid overhead watering. Crop rotation and maintaining healthy soil with good drainage also reduce disease pressure.