Growing Cucumber

cucumis sativis : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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

(Best months for growing Cucumber in Australia - tropical 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

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.
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
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.
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???
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.
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.
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
04 Oct 18, Robert Ridgwell (Australia - temperate climate)
is there any special fertilizer that will enhance the growth of apple cucumbers
04 Oct 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Just a general vegie fertiliser will do.
02 Jul 18, Olga haynes (Australia - tropical climate)
My first time for growing veges, i am volunteering at a charity, putting a lot of good stuff in the assigned garden bed, can i plant cucumbers now? What happens if i plant too early? Brisbane location.
Showing 71 - 80 of 387 comments

If you have TRUE high humidity: humidex above 95% consistently -- then you have a real issue. If you have a "created" high humidity situation: like a poorly ventilated greenhouse; then correcting the ventilation will fix things. You can create an updraft by placing a screened window/door very close to ground level (or the lowest level that opens to fresh air) and then furthest and highest away from this point another screened window (on the ceiling/roof, or very high on the wall). So if you have a door on the North/East Bottom. the window goes on the South/West Top. When both of the windows are open, you should get a nice updraft that will whisk away all your humidity. It is best to situate the ground level door/window in a shady spot -- because this will be cooler air, and as this comes in it will force the hot/humid air up and out. There are also green house fans that can be installed (but if you do your updraft correctly you will probably not need one) ; and if you are fully indoors even a dehumidifier might work. If you are in a garden setting like the situation above; I think perhaps the cucumber created a roof that was helping hold in the moisture. In this case prune the cucumber to increase airflow. Things like fences can hold moisture; for example if you have a garden between two houses and there is a wood picket fence; this could impede the flow of air, and cause humidity to build up. The answer will ALMOST always be to increase air flow. If this is a true climate issue then you should select what you are growing with care, choosing plants that can tolerate high humidity; and still trying to situate your plants/garden in such a way that air flows freely. I have an allotment, that has "dense" fencing on two sides (I am in the back corner) and I can feel that I have an extra humid situation. I have found that runner beans do well; once they climb higher than fence level, they get a lot of air flow and do nicely. As far a hydroponics; I am not well versed enough to even begin guessing at the issues that may exist in these environments. Just remember that even when the humidex is NOT high, plants still need the airflow to move what they have transpired away from their leaves.

- Celeste Archer

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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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