Growing Cucumber

cucumis sativis : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      S S              
        T T T          
        P P            

(Best months for growing Cucumber in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 61°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Cut fruit off with scissors or sharp knife.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Nasturtiums, Beans, Celery, Lettuce, Sweet Corn, Cabbages, Sunflowers, Coriander, Fennel, Dill, Sunflowers
  • Avoid growing close to: Potato, Tomatoes

Your comments and tips

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04 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I read about 2.5-3 m is a good distance to separate incompatible plants. Also if planting tomatoes N-S then if close, they may create a lot of shade for the cues, restricting their growth possibly.
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31 Oct 18, Wally Harper (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just planted Apple Cucumbers and have flowers on them, do I need to stake these up or do they grow laying on soil, thanks
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01 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can go either way. If on the ground put some mulch/grass clippings on the soil. If short of room trellis them - some wire/mesh on 45-60 degree angle. I've been picking mine for the last 2-3 weeks. I now have a second flush of cuies growing. About 20 each time from 2 plants. Gee they taste good.
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18 Oct 18, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted some cucumber seedlings the other day and 3 of them have died I have kept the water up when it hasn’t rained any ideas why they died???
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22 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably too much water. When planting seedlings protect them from the sun (more so in the hotter months). I use a frame with shade cloth on it for a week or so. I also do this with seeds planted in the ground.
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07 Oct 18, Greg (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I plant tomatoes and cucumbers together? This seasons tomato bed has a trellis and our cucumbers have been terrific since growing them on a trellis.
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08 Oct 18, KS (Australia - temperate climate)
I don't think so as it says on the cucumber page... /www.gardenate.com/plant/Cucumber?zone=2
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04 Oct 18, Robert Ridgwell (Australia - temperate climate)
is there any special fertilizer that will enhance the growth of apple cucumbers
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04 Oct 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Just a general vegie fertiliser will do.
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22 Sep 18, KathyCandiotes (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi where can we purchase seeds to grow English cucumber We are In Gauteng region in Benoni Should we grow them in tunnels? Is it complicated to grow them
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Showing 141 - 150 of 495 comments
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My cucumbers have been weird this year. They are similar to John D's - they have grown in the shape of a butternut pumpkin from early on and they are now about 30 cm and yellow/brown. They have good sunlight, were watered regularly, in mushroom compost. They did not at any stage go dark green, just from light green to yellow. They probably weigh about 2 kilo's each. I have not cut one open yet - i think the whole crop may be headed to the chickens... any ideas to avoid the same next year would be appreciated.

- Ben R

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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