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

12 Nov 17, Sam (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have small 1 1/2cm cucumbers all over my plant. But they are not growing any bigger. They have been this size for weeks. Any help would be appreciated!
13 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably need bees or hand pollinate them. Check if there is male and female flowers.
25 Oct 17, Grace (Australia - temperate climate)
If it's white,cabbage moth that are eating your plants you can plant land cress & dill near them & the moths will be more attracted to it & hopefully leave your Kale alone, we tried it & it worked when they were attacking our brocolini :)
03 Oct 17, Brad (Australia - temperate climate)
ive had much success with cucumber in Melbourne over a number of years. this year ive decided to plant more pumpkins, zucchini, sweetcorn and watermelon. therefor I don't have as much room in my veggie patches. Just wondering if anyone has had success with cucumbers in potted baskets as I have some wondering what to put in them. a good quality potting mix and keep well watered... would a cucumber live like this?
04 Oct 17, Sam D (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, place in a pot 'at-least' 40cm, 50cm or bigger would be better, use good quality potting mix and make a wooden frame with wire mesh for the plant to climb.
04 Oct 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm sure it would, in the right sized pot. A good quality potting mix, with plenty of compost added to it, and some coir peat to help moisture retention. But what are you growing with your sweetcorn? The cucumbers could grow around and up the corn.
06 Oct 17, Brad (Australia - temperate climate)
When the corn get big enough i was thinking of running beans up them.
03 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try growing on a trellis. An inverted V or even a vertical one. I'm trying a vertical one at the moment. Pumpkins and watermelons take up so much room. Best to decide what you are going to plant and where before you start planting. Give each the required area to produce a good crop.
21 Aug 17, JC (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi, I've just moved to Cocos Keeling Islands and have heard it is difficult to grow any fruit or veg here. Any advice on what to plant and when, how to improve soil conditions etc. would be appreciated as fresh food options are costly and not reliable. TIA
24 Aug 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
This is just a generic answer, not specific to the Cocos Keeling Islands. Any where the soil conditions or climate are considered poor, I would suggest raised garden beds filled with a good soil blend and organic matter. If the soil is unavailable, then a good potting mix (without moisture retention) and organic matter/compost will be fine. Then just grow what you want according to your climate.
Showing 101 - 110 of 387 comments

I will try that. Over the summer I had about 20 sun jewel flowers plants in my garden, with hundreds if not thousands of flower heads - saw about two bees all summer. The bee population has taken a massive hit world wide I hear.

- Mike

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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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