Growing Cucumber

cucumis sativis : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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

(Best months for growing Cucumber in South Africa - Summer rainfall 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

14 Jul 16, Herbert Nyakutsikwa (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where can I get english cucumber seeds in Johanessburg or rest of RSA
24 Jun 16, Tumahole Wilson Tumahole (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi there I am in Lesotho and would like to know if there is a place in Ladybrand or Bloemfontein were I can get cucumber seeds? faithfully Tumahole Wilson Tumahole
07 Jun 16, Piet van staden (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi looking for gherkins have a small tunel can they grow now in a tunnel here in western cape Thanks piet
12 Jan 16, Robert (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Why do my cucumbers taste bitter I used cow manure
26 Feb 16, hennie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
bitter cucumbers usual are moisture starved , the most common is that they have grown to large for the cultivar , pick them young , to get better quality fruit.
13 Feb 18, Ahad (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Cut small piece of cucumber by stem side, and rub two cutted side throughly. Until it make no white foam. Then it will be bitter less.
24 Aug 15, Mojo (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
The effect of temperature especially the fruit quality
16 Nov 15, Charmaine Embleton (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hello Faiz, you can buy english cucumber seeds from - Livingseeds.co.za - have a look & get them on-line. They have a wide variety of heirloom seedlings... Regards Charmaine
15 Jul 14, Harry Dzimba (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I WANT TO GROW CUCUMBER. IAM ASKING FOR THE BEST TIME TO START GROWING
28 May 14, john (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I am in limpopo Nwanedi i want know the season to plant butternut.I would like you to send me the spay program for butternut,tomatoes,cabbage,maize,pumpkin.i would you to iclude fertilizer program.
Showing 21 - 30 of 34 comments

I plan to plant them in a spot with a bag of composted chicken manure in Zone 8b. Any suggestions? Last year my cuke plants were glorious and were started from a packet of seeds. Unfortunately I did not get one cuke. Lots of flowers but I think they turned out to be all males.

- Peter Cyr

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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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