Cucumber
A fast-growing warm-season crop that produces heavily once established. One of the most productive plants per square foot when grown vertically.
At a Glance
Season
Warm Season
Planting
Direct sow
Days to Harvest
50–65 days
Difficulty
Easy
Summary
Cucumbers are direct sown after last frost when soil has warmed to 60°F. They grow fast — fruit in 50–65 days — and produce heavily for 4–6 weeks. Growing vertically on a trellis saves space, improves air circulation, and makes harvesting easier. Harvest frequently — leaving overripe cucumbers on the vine stops production. Consistent moisture prevents bitterness.
Growing Conditions
Cucumbers need warm soil (60°F minimum) and warm air temperatures throughout the growing season. They grow rapidly once established and are sensitive to frost — even a light frost kills them. Full sun and consistent moisture are essential. They climb readily and benefit from vertical support.
Cold climates: Direct sow after last frost once soil has warmed. Starting transplants indoors 3 weeks before last frost gets production started earlier.
Warm climates: Direct sow after soil warms. A second sowing in midsummer extends harvest into fall.
Sowing & Planting
Direct sow 1 inch deep, 6 inches apart, at the base of a trellis or in hills (3–4 seeds per hill, thinning to 2). Space hills 3 feet apart. Cucumbers can also be transplanted from cells started 3 weeks before last frost — handle roots carefully.
Care & Maintenance
Water consistently — 1–1.5 inches per week. Irregular moisture causes bitter fruit. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Fertilize at planting with compost; side-dress with balanced fertilizer when vines begin to run. Train vines onto trellis as they grow.
Common Problems
Cucumber beetles (striped and spotted) transmit bacterial wilt — use row cover until flowering. Powdery mildew develops late in the season; choose resistant varieties. Bitter fruit results from drought stress or cool temperatures — keep soil consistently moist. Poor fruit set from inadequate pollination — remove row cover during flowering.
Harvest
Harvest slicing cucumbers at 6–8 inches; pickling types at 2–4 inches. Check plants daily at peak production. Overripe cucumbers turn yellow and signal the plant to stop producing — pick everything, including any you missed. Regular harvest maintains production for 4–6 weeks.
Varieties
Slicing cucumbers (Straight Eight, Marketmore, Spacemaster for containers) are grown for fresh eating. Pickling cucumbers (National Pickling, Calypso) have thinner skins and crisper texture — better for both pickling and fresh eating. Burpless/English types (Tasty Jade, Sweet Success) have thin skin and mild flavor. Persian cucumbers are small, seedless, and excellent fresh. Disease-resistant varieties are worth choosing for most home gardens.
Companion Planting
Grows Well With
- beans
- corn
- sunflowers
- lettuce
- radishes
Keep Away From
- potatoes
- sage
- fennel
Uses & Preservation
Related Guides
Cucumber are a member of the fruiting family.
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