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Growing Cucumber

(cucumis satavis)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
        P              

(Best months for planting Cucumber in USA - Zone 5a regions)

P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • 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: Nasturtiums, Beans, Celery, Lettuce, Sweet Corn, Cabbages, Sunflowers, Coriander, Fennel, Dill, Sunflowers
  • Avoid growing with: Potato, Tomatoes
  • A young plant
  • Flower - female
  • Flower - male

Cucumbers are frost tender. Can be started in small peat pots then transplanted when weather is suitable. A trailing plant which will grow tendrils as it gets bigger. 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. Grow 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.


Your comments and tips

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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.
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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!
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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....
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Post a question, comment or tip about Cucumber

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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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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