The Cucumber Salad Bush, Cucumis satiovus, is great If space is limited. The Salad Bush hybrid cucumber is an early slicer that is perfect for small gardens and patio containers and they require two-thirds less space than vining cucumbers. Salad Bush cucumbers produce very uniform dark green fruit on a compact plant. Cucumbers prefer full sun and rich, well-draining soil. They are delicious eaten alone, and they are a tasty addition to tossed salads, main dishes, and appetizers.