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
  • Cucumbers on plant (commons.wikimedia.org - Rasbak - CC BY-SA 3.0)
  • Young plant
  • Female flower with baby fruit
  • Male flower

A trailing plant which will grow tendrils as it gets bigger. Cucumbers can be started in small peat pots then transplanted when weather is suitable. Lebanese cucumbers are best picked about 10 -12 cm (4 - 5 in) and eaten whole. Gherkins are usually picked 5 or 6 cm (2 - 3 in) long and pickled. They have a prickly skin. Apple cucumbers are round with a pale, almost white, smooth skin.

Grow in full sun up a trellis or framework to save space and keep the fruit clean. Needs ties to support it at first. Water regularly and fertilise to encourage growth.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Cucumber

Pick frequently before the fruit become too big.
Use raw in salads, peeled if preferred. Bash them with a rolling pin before slicing and marinade with a rice vinegar/fish sauce/sugar mix and they will absorb the flavours of the dressing.

Your comments and tips

14 Jun 11, Leslie Alderette (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Just wanted to find out why you should avoid planting cucumbers next to tomatoes.. I did just that before reading this. My plants are small so is it possible to move them? I just dont want to disturb their new area. Any feedback on this? Thanks so much. your website it terrific!
19 Jun 11, Michael Ouellette (Australia - arid climate)
My cukes were planted about a foot ( 30 cm ) away from my tomatoe plants this year.and my crop from both was unreal. The tomato plants acted as a trellis for the cukes. I could not keep up with the supply....
17 May 12, Andy (USA - Zone 8b climate)
The only issue is when planting them too close together. They will compete heavily for nutrients and moisture. they are both very heavy feeders .. as a result quality/ flavor could suffer.
27 Nov 13, Jack Zampella (USA - Zone 6b climate)
I grow an open pollinated variety of cucumbers (straight Eight) Two years ago I picked 83 cucumbers from two plants. This past season I only picked 18 cucumbers from two plants, 1. I had problems with cucumber beetles. Any suggestions on how to rid or control then? 2. Also, I believe that the were far less bees around to pollinate. No bees, no pollination. No pollination , no cucumbers. What is the best flower / herb that I can plant to attract pollinators to my cucumbers. Thanks
12 Aug 15, Anita (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
I am in Zone 7b. I tried some Asian cucumbers - they turned out pretty well this year - you should consider giving them a try. They got up to 1-2 feet. Check them out here -> earthlychow. com/asian-cucumber-tien-chin-long
02 May 17, Janice Cranford (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Why are my cucumber plants not making a cucumber, only flowers?
03 May 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Cucumbers often produce male flowers early in the season before they start to produce female (cucumber) flowers. The male flowers have a longer stem and do not have the unformed cucumber at the base of the flower. I'd say, give them a bit more time.
27 Mar 20, Eric Peterson (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Hi there! I was wondering why cucumbers shouldn't be grown near tomatoes? Thank you!
29 Mar 20, Brenda (Australia - arid climate)
You actually can. They are companion plants and grow well together but both dislike growing near potatoes. Basil also likes tomatoes and cucumbers. Funny isnt it :)
18 Apr 20, Stephanie (USA - Zone 8a climate)
This is my first year planting in this zone as I recently moved here. I am used to planting in a much different climate. My other plants in my garden seem to be doing well. However, my cucumbers are dying. Please help!! I plant 2 foot apart. I planted next to green beans and radishes. Are they getting too much water?not enough fertilizer?
Showing 1 - 10 of 42 comments

This is my first year planting in this zone as I recently moved here. I am used to planting in a much different climate. My other plants in my garden seem to be doing well. However, my cucumbers are dying. Please help!! I plant 2 foot apart. I planted next to green beans and radishes. Are they getting too much water?not enough fertilizer?

- Stephanie

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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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