BattenBlooms
PL. —Cucumis sativus 'Silver Slicer'Botanical illustration — drop image
Cucumis sativus 'Silver Slicer'

Silver Slicer Cucumber

SummerFall
3a–10bHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
In bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
Peak bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background

Silver Slicer is a pale, creamy-yellow slicing cucumber with a mild, never-bitter flavour and thin skin. Cucumbers need warm soil above 65°F — starting indoors 3 weeks before last frost gives them a head start, but transplant carefully (they dislike root disturbance). Trellising improves air circulation, reduces disease, and makes harvest straightforward. Sow in successions every three weeks through midsummer; fresh plants produce better than aging ones that have set many seeds.

Good companions
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Black Turtle'Cucurbita pepoZea maysPisum sativumHelianthus annuus
Keep apart
Salvia officinalisSalvia rosmarinusSolanum tuberosum
Care guide
SunFull sun — 8+ hours for best production
WaterConsistent and deep; irregular watering causes bitterness
SoilRich, well-draining, warm; mulch to retain moisture
Spacing12 inches on a trellis; 2–3 feet if allowed to sprawl
HeightClimbing vine — 6+ feet on a trellis
Zone3a – 10b
WinterAnnual — compost after first frost.
Direct sow
Seasonal tasks
summer
sowSuccession 4
cutHarvest daily — cucumbers left too long signal the plant to stop producing; pick while still pale yellow
Common problems

Powdery mildew

Symptoms

White or grey powdery coating on leaves — usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.

Treatment

Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.

Downy mildew

Symptoms

Yellowing on top of leaves with grey-purple fuzz underneath. Spreads rapidly in humid conditions.

Treatment

Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Copper spray as preventive.