🥒 Cucumber: Growing Guide
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) grows best in full sun with plenty of water, and does well at 21–32 °C (70–90 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart. Expect 50–70 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Cucumis sativus |
|---|---|
| Category | Vegetables |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | High |
| Plant spacing | 40 cm (16 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 21–32 °C (70–90 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 50–70 days |
| Sowing depth | 2 cm (0.8 in) |
| Height | 150–200 cm (59–79 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Jan, Aug · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan, Aug–Sep · Harvest: Feb–Mar, Oct–Dec.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: May · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Jan, Aug · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov.
Watering
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 5 days in winter. Needs steady moisture.
Growing tips
Needs support. Water regularly. Avoid too much nitrogen.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Cucumber: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr–May · Harvest: Jun–Aug. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
Cucumber: how often should I water it?
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 5 days in winter. Needs steady moisture.
Cucumber: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 40 cm (16 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 2 cm (0.8 in).
Cucumber: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 50–70 days.
Cucumber: which plants grow well with it?
Radish, Lettuce, Sunflower.
Cucumber: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids, Powdery mildew.
Plan your garden
Add Cucumber to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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