Growing Cucumber

cucumis sativis : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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

(Best months for growing Cucumber in South Africa - Semi-arid regions)

  • 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

27 Apr 20, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try the internet for seed selling websites.
02 Aug 19, Theodoris Nayler (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Seeds for Africa, [email protected] I get all my seeds from them, sometimes I even order only a few at a time, they courier to you
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
25 Oct 18, Rianca (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Kathy I’m also in Benoni and wondering if you have been successful in growing your cucumber???
09 Oct 17, Udo Krause (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
In which province they are growing English cucumbers
25 Feb 17, Nicola (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi, we have been gifted 3 cucumber plants. The day our friend brought them to us her chooks sat on them. They were then in her boot the entire day on a 40 degree day. I had them in a morning to mid afternoon sunny spot and they were starting to liven up. The tops started dying off, then they fell over on themselves and cracked the stems. So we moved them to there permanent spot in the evening and in the morning we woke up and the dogs had toppled the 2 over. I picked them up and put the soil back in but now the stems are saggy, broken and the tops are all dried and brown. Please can you help me with advice on how to save these poor plants? I feel so terrible as this is the second set of plants our friend has given us and they are dying again :'(
26 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Sounds like you've had a traumatic time! Under the circumstances you would be better to sow some fresh seed. It will germinate in a few days. Once plants are battered past a certain point they take a while to recover, if at all. You will need 3-4 months to harvest. All the best.
29 Jan 17, Len Olley (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
When my cucumbers are young fruit the get stung in the middle and then start to bend. Those that are not stung grow well. I have tried researching to what is causing this but to no avail. What can I spray?
05 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Crook Neck, as it is called is mostly caused by uneven pollination which could be attributed to lack of pollinating insects or low humidity. It is a very dissappointing condition and if you cut the cucumber longways you will find the inside of the curve not properly formed. You could try hand pollinating by pickig off some male flowers, removing the petals and rubbing them inside the female flowers. Trust this helps.
06 Jan 17, Posholi (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi,I am in Maseru Lesotho. Where in the Freestate province can i purchase cucumber seedlings??
Showing 11 - 20 of 34 comments

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!

- Leslie Alderette

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