Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
55-60 (Spring/Summer), 55-60 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
Vine
Hardiness
Tender

Cucumber can't stand any frost at all.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Summer
Growing Season
Short, Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Warm, Hot

Cucumbers are native to the tropics and absolutely must have warm soil (70˚ F minimum) for good germination and growth. Consequently they are among the last crops to be planted out in spring. Most varieties fruit better in short days, so they tend to be more productive later in the summer.

Outdoor Growing Temp
60°F - 90°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
60°F

Cucumbers take 2 weeks to germinate at 60 degrees, but only 3 days at 85 degrees. 

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Water
High

Cucumbers are mainly composed of water and need a constant and abundant supply of it for best growth.

The best way to water Cucumbers is with a drip system or soaker hose, as this keeps the leaves dry and so reduces the chance of disease problems. If you must get the leaves wet, water in the morning, or early evening, so they have a chance to dry out quickly. You don't want the leaves to stay wet all night.

Be careful not to overwater germinating seeds or they may rot. It's best to soak the ground or the potting soil heavily when first planting, then avoid watering again if possible until seedlings emerge. Cucumber seeds emerge in 5+ days; very lightly water ground or potting soil around day 3 or 4 to keep soil from crusting so that seeds can emerge more easily.

Feeder
Heavy

Cucumber grows fast and produces a lot of foliage, so its no surprise that it is a fairly hungry plant and likes fertile soil.

Suitability
Partial shade, Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?
No
Containers?
Yes

Cucumbers grow quite well in containers and several varieties have been produced specifically for this. They will be more productive in larger containers (at least 12" in diameter). In order to prevent root rot, it is important that your container has drainage holes. Line the bottom of your container with weed cloth or newspaper and then cover with a handful of small rocks. Fill the remainder with amixture of peat moss, compost and potting soil. Cucumbers need a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. In extremely hot climates, it is best to provide partial shade and keep your container away from direct sunlight. Cucumbers need lots of water, and they prefer moist soil.

Attracts beneficial insects?
Yes
Color
Dark green
Fruit Size
8.0 - 9.0"
Plant Height
12.0 - 48.0"
Plant Diameter
12.0 - 18.0"
Hardiness Zone
4-12
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Sweet mild flavor.

Rotation Group
Fruits: Solanaceae + Cucurbits