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 S S
T T T           T T T T
P P             P P P P

(Best months for growing Cucumber in Australia - sub-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

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17 Jan 16, Alex (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing the apple cucumber variety for the first time and have had very good success. Does anyone have a good recipe for preserving or similar as I have far too many to eat fresh. Many thanks Alex x
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15 Jan 16, john mcquire (Australia - temperate climate)
I started apple cucumbers from seed early nov. and harvested untold number of cucumbers on about five bushes,and now have three more to put in the ground, so I am eagerly waiting for them again.
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08 Jan 16, Paul (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Lebanese, continental and apple cucs growing in same bed, Lebonese and cont are going great but apple are getting too 1" long and stop growing
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08 Jan 16, Ha (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I live in Canberra .I would like to grow the vegetables and fruit which can grow all year .I am growing celery and strawberries now.
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02 Jan 16, tastyvish (Australia - arid climate)
Yes cucumber is bit temperamental till it established! I am in Melbourne and i failed several times but this year i have found that mulching and even watering have saved my young plants from extreme heat, yes what i have found the plants don't like any type of fertilizer till they become established.Watering in the morning will also help to prevent plant from powdery mildew which is biggest killer of cucurbit family.
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01 Jan 16, Param (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi i planted cucumbers few times this season and all the seedling have died again and again. Never had that problem in past. It was very hot recently in melbourne aus. Any thoughts???
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10 Jan 16, Shahrukh (Australia - temperate climate)
The first time I planted Lebanese Cucumber this season in Ballarat only one of six survived. I planted in the same spot again but removed all fertiliser from the plant hole. I also covered them with plastic oil container bottoms when the temperature dropped. When the weather grew warmer I threw over pieces of shade cloth on days of 30 degrees and over usually in the afternoon. This is the first time I have had healthy looking fruiting cucumber plants.
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22 Dec 15, Vaughan (Australia - temperate climate)
How do I pollinate them.
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02 Jan 16, tastyvish (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You can hand pollinate which will increase the chances of having more production.Alternatively if you garden is bees friendly then they could pollinate too.
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06 Dec 15, garry mcleod (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Approximately one month ago I planted some cystal apple cucumbers which are thriving, however, I have noticed that something is eating the leaves and there seems to be some small dot larvi in the leaves. Can I spray them with white oil? Do I need something stronger to kill them but not harm the plant? Regards Garry
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Some websites suggest planting cucumber seeds directly into garden bed, other sites say start in trays. Which is correct ? Thank you.

- Ingrid

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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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