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 16°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 40 - 60 cm 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
09 Jan 17, Joanne2167 (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I have had the same problem and looked it up and decided it was they were not pollinating. Try hand pollination. There are plenty of web sites to help.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Usual reason is they haven't pollinated. Give them a bit more time and some more male flowers and you should get your rewards.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Jan 17, Jeff (Australia - temperate climate)
I have picked crystal apple cue's in past seasons and they have been bitter i have a few that look like they are close, any tips on the best time to pick? nothing nicer than an apple cucumber sandwich :-)
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Jan 17, John (Australia - arid climate)
I have always eaten Crystal Apple when they are quite white. When they go creamy, then yellow they have always have been bitter for me. I don't grow them now for that reason.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Dec 16, David (Australia - temperate climate)
I have read good and bad things about growing tomatoes and cucumbers together. Mine are doing really well together. Why do they say it's bad
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Dec 16, Jane (Australia - temperate climate)
Apparently it can stunt or inhibit the growth but I guess if yours grow well together then just go with it.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Nov 16, Margaret Morris (Australia - temperate climate)
Where do I buy apple cucumber seedlings in the southern suburbs of Melbourne please?
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Dec 16, james allan (Australia - temperate climate)
grow from seed quite easily , transplant and support on trellis , have found west facing wall too hot ...
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Apple cucumbers will germinate very quickly at this time of the year and will take off easily. Cucurbits resent root disturbance as well. A packet of seeds would be half the price and would give you 2 or 3 times as many plants. You could save some of the seeds for next year. trust this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Nov 16, Julie howe (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Do you need to manually fertilise the females flowers with male pollen like we do with pumpkin ?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 131 - 140 of 387 comments
See comments for all plants

We have successfully grown long cucumbers with over 2 doz picked in last month or so. But all of a sudden, we have these small black crawling insects attacking our bushes which are growing on a trelis. Any thoughts please

- Jeff

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.