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

11 Oct 09, Liam (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
What time is the best time to buy cucumbers?
12 Oct 09, Wayne (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Liam, I would buy cucumbers after the last frost. When the soil warms they are more profilic.
02 Nov 09, Katja (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have 2 cucumber plants growing quite well with lots of flowers and some cucumbers starting to grow. The older leaves are starting to get what looks like white bits of mould on them, and some of those 'mouldy' leaves are starting to turn yellow. Overall the plants still seem quite healthy but I don't seem to be able to control the mould. I always water them from the bottom and they are growing on mounds. They don't have full sun all day so their growing position isn't ideal. The same type of thing appears to be happening to my zucchini and squash plants (even those in pretty much full sun). Is there any way to stop the mould? Any tips much appreciated! : )
04 Nov 09, SP (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Steph, I just planted the seedling from the tray to the ground. I was using seasol to develop its roo. I have heard the fertilisers are strong and tender plants like cucumber doesn't like it.
06 Nov 09, jo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have 10 cucumber plants that have grown well and and i have picked 2 dozen or so beautiful ones,however the last lot that were ready were soft.(what's wrong)
23 Nov 09, StanK (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Katja, to control mould spray with a mixture of 8 parts of cow's milk and 2 parts water.
30 Nov 09, Tony Williams (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm growing "Bush Champion" cucumbers and they are now starting to produce fruit, I've never grown cucumbers before and am wondering when is the best time to harvest them.
08 Dec 09, Fiona (Australia - temperate climate)
H Katya, Your cucumbers sound like they have mould. I make some chamomile tea and when cooled, spray it directly onto the leaves. I also use it on tomatoes and zucchini. Works perfectly! I do it about every 10 days. Didn't know about it last year - wish i did!
10 Dec 09, fezz (Australia - temperate climate)
this (and last year) my cucumbs.never got off the ground . the first year i couldnt give enuff away so i pickled them. the next yr. igot half the yeild, although they grew 8 feet up the trellis. but the last two yrs. they grew only 2 foot . the cucumbs get to about 3-5 cms long and wilt and dry up brown b4 falling off. can anyonbe tell me whats going wrong. theyre grown in the same spot every year
10 Dec 09, john d (Australia - temperate climate)
hi i have planted cucumbers twice this year, they get to about 30cm then started going yellow and eventually die. any ideas what could be causing this? same thing happened to the zucchini planted near by but all the other vegies are ok.. i have mixed horse manure in th eground could that be th eproblem? any ideas would be much appreciated cheers
Showing 31 - 40 of 495 comments

This is just a generic answer, not specific to the Cocos Keeling Islands. Any where the soil conditions or climate are considered poor, I would suggest raised garden beds filled with a good soil blend and organic matter. If the soil is unavailable, then a good potting mix (without moisture retention) and organic matter/compost will be fine. Then just grow what you want according to your climate.

- Darren

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.