Learning Download: How to Grow Cucumbers

Cucumbers can be grown for fresh eating, pickling and more. They range in flavor, colors, shapes and sizes. Cucumbers can grow in circles, elongated spheres and more.

Before Planting: Requires warm, well-drained soil high in fertility, with a pH of 7.0 for best results. Consistent moisture is needed to produce an high yields of good size cucumbers. Cucumbers do not tolerate cold so sow after any possibility of frost has passed. Make sure both soil and air temperatures have warmed prior to planting.

Planting: For direct seeding, wait until soil is warm, at least 70°F. Cucumber seeds will not germinate at a soil temperature below 50°F. Sow 2-3 seeds/ft., 1/2″ deep, in rows 6′ apart. Thin to 12″ apart. For transplanting, sow indoors in at 1-2 seeds per cell, 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Thin to 1 seedling per cell when true leaves form. Keep temperature above 70°F day and 60°F at night. Transplant 12″ apart in rows 5-6′ apart. Do not disturb roots when transplanting. Peat pots work best to reduce stunting and transplant shock.

Watering: Water 1 inch per week. Water consistently, because inconsistent watering can create misshapen cucumbers.

Fertilizer: When planting, mix compost with a little bit of organic fertilizer. During growth, use liquid fertilizer and apply directly to the soil near the stem. Granular fertilizer also can be used, but work it into the soil around the
plant. Feed with fertilizer regularly.

Days to Maturity: Once fruit bears, pick cucumbers often. They can double in size quickly. (See each variety for days to maturity)

Harvesting: Once fruit bearing begins, pick daily to ensure steady harvest

Tips: To maximize the amount of cucumbers and decrease leaves, use a trellis or tomato cage to grow the cucumbers.

AVG. Direct Seeding Rate: 30 seeds/15′, 100 seeds/50′, 250 seeds/125′, 500 seeds/250′, 1,000 seeds/500′, 15M/acre at 2 seeds/ft. in rows 6′ apart.