Cucumbers
Cucumis sativus
A Basic Growing Guide
Description
Cucumbers are everywhere. They are freshening up our water, our fragrances, and even our eyelids on spa days. There is something about those crisp vegetables that make us feel so refreshed when we smell them and eat them! The cool cucumber is easy to grow and easy to use. You can slice it, skewer it, spiralize it, or pickle it (yum). It is rich in vitamins K and C, and its high water content makes it an excellent hydrator.
Some Common Varieties
Corinto: A popular slicing cucumber with dark green skin and good disease resistance. 7-8 inches long at maturity.
Boston Pickling: A small, firm cucumber ideal for making pickles.
Lemon Cucumber: Round and yellow, these cucumbers have a mild, sweet flavor. Pick when 1.5-2 inches in diameter.
Armenian Cucumber: Long and slender with ribbed skin, known for its crisp texture. This is actually categorized as a melon species, but looks and tastes like a cucumber and has very similar growth habits.
Cucumber Through The Season
Planting Instructions
Light Requirements
Cucumbers need full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
When
Plant cucumbers after the danger of frost has passed, typically in mid to late April.
Seed or Transplant?
Cucumbers can be directly seeded into the garden or started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost.
Depth
Plant seeds 1 inch deep.
Spacing
These plants take up a lot of room! Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 36-60 inches apart. To save space, train vines on a trellis and plant 12-18” apart.
Growth Habit
Cucumbers can grow as bush types or vining types that require support.
Tending
Watering
Water cucumbers deeply once a week, providing 1-2 inches of water. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Common Pests and Treatments
Cucumber Beetles: Small, yellow and black beetles. Use row covers and apply neem oil as needed.
Aphids: Tiny, green, yellow or black insects that cluster on new growth. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or spray with water.
Spider Mites: Very small, red or brown mites that cause stippling on leaves. Use insecticidal soap and increase humidity around plants.
Common Diseases and How to Treat
Powdery Mildew: White, powdery spots on leaves. Remove affected leaves and ensure good air circulation.
Downy Mildew: Yellow and brown spots on leaves. Remove affected leaves and use organic fungicides.
Bacterial Wilt: Plants wilt and die quickly. Remove and destroy affected plants. Control cucumber beetles, which spread the disease.
Feeding/Fertilizing
Fertilize cucumbers every 3-4 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer, such as GardenTone.
Pruning
Pruning is generally not necessary for cucumbers, but removing any damaged or diseased leaves can help improve air circulation and plant health.
Harvesting
When
Harvest cucumbers when they reach the desired size, usually 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety. For slicing cucumbers, pick when they are 6-8 inches long; for pickling cucumbers, pick when they are 2-4 inches long.
How
Cut the fruit from the vine using a sharp knife or pruners, leaving a small stem attached.
Then What?
After harvesting, cucumbers should be stored in a cool, humid place. The plant will continue to produce and regular harvesting will promote continued fruiting.