Stephen Ausmus (USDA ARS) via Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
garden
Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Edible
Edible Partsfruit, flowers
Overview
Refreshing summer vegetable that thrives in warm, consistently moist conditions. Trellising saves space, produces straighter fruit, and reduces disease. Types include slicing (long, smooth), pickling (short, bumpy), and burpless (English-style). Erratic watering causes bitterness and misshapen fruit.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureWet
Hardiness Zones4 — 11
Height2m
Spread1m
Growth HabitVining annual
LifespanAnnual
Bloom ColorYellow
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, deep loam with high organic matter; consistent moisture
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | May — May | Start 3-4 weeks before transplant; dislikes root disturbance — use peat pots |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Wait until soil is 65°F+; row covers help in cool springs |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Pick young (4-8 inches) for best flavor; daily picking extends production |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow when soil is warm; trellis to save space |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Harvest every 2-3 days; oversized cucumbers shut down production |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Apr — Jun | Succession plant every 3 weeks for continuous harvest |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jun — Oct | Pick when slim and firm; bitter taste means stress (heat or dry) |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Mar — May | Spring crop; consider fall crop too |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Aug — Sep | Fall crop avoids peak heat |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | May — Nov | Long season; refresh with second planting |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Feb — Mar | Spring crop; provide afternoon shade in summer |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Fall crop in late summer |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Apr — Jun | Spring crop |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Nov — Dec | Fall crop |
Uses
Culinary
- Fresh in salads, sandwiches, tzatziki, and gazpacho
- Pickled — fermented or quick brine
- Cucumber-mint water for summer refreshment
Medicinal
- Cooling and hydrating; traditional remedy for puffy eyes
Other Uses
- Trellis vertically to save 75% of garden space
