This classy slicing cucumber was a standout in our trials for both its plant vigor and fruit type. Paraiso's vines were dark green and vigorous, even where water stress and disease pressure challenged other varieties. The dark green, 8-9" fruit are uniformly straight and slender, for a refined appearance at market. Our taste testers loved its sweet, non-bitter, crunchy flesh. Widely adapted for field or tunnel culture, Paraiso carries a disease package that includes intermediate resistance to Powdery Mildew and Cucumber Mosaic Virus.

START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Plant heat loving cucumbers only when weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (13°C). Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1 1/2 feet apart and 1 inch deep with 3 feet between rows. Thin to 1 seedling per group. Or make slightly mounded hills 5 feet apart, sowing 5 or 6 seeds in each hill. Thin to the 3 strongest plants.

GROWING NOTES
Protect seedlings from marauding birds with plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Shallow rooted cucumbers need ample and consistent moisture. Avoid overly wet or dry periods for good quality fruit. Growing cucumber vines up vertical supports gives you long straight fruits and saves garden space.

HARVEST AND USE
Cut rather than pull fruits from vines before seeds are large inside. Harvest every few days for longest fruit production. These juicy tender cucumbers need no peeling. Slice and enjoy for refreshing snacks, in salads and sandwiches. Eat cucumbers within a day or two of picking for best taste and quality.

Soil temperature: 70 - 80 degrees fahrenheit
Seeding depth: 0.5 - 1 inches
Germination days: 6 - 10 days
Grow on temperature day: 65 - 70 degrees fahrenheit
Maturation days: 59 days