Growing Guide Cucumbers: Cool, Crisp Summer Favorites

Cucumber Quick Facts

• Seed Depth: 1 inch
• Spacing: 12 inches between plants
• Row Spacing: 3-5 feet (traditional) or 24 inches (trellised)
• Days to Germination: 3-10 days
• Days to Harvest: 50-70 days
• Water Needs: High - consistent moisture required
• Sun Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours)
• Companion Plants: Sunflowers, nasturtiums, corn, beans, peas

Why beginners love cucumbers: Fast-growing and productive, providing quick gratification and continuous harvests throughout summer.

Beginner-friendly varieties: 'Marketmore 76', 'Straight Eight', 'Spacemaster' (compact), 'Lemon Cucumber'

We love our Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber Seeds

Planting Guide

• Timing: Plant after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F (typically 2 weeks after last frost date).
• Soil Preparation: Cucumbers thrive in rich soil. Mix in 2-3 inches of compost and create small mounds if growing in traditional rows.
• Sowing Seeds: Plant 3-4 seeds per spot, 1 inch deep. After germination, thin to the strongest seedling per location.
• Trellising (Highly Recommended): Set up a trellis (5-6 feet tall) at planting time. Options include A-frames, netting, or a simple stake-and-string system. Trellising saves space, improves air circulation, and keeps fruits clean.
• Watering: Cucumbers need consistent moisture. Water deeply at the base of plants (never the leaves) 2-3 times weekly. Inconsistent watering leads to bitter fruit.
• Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture and prevent soil from splashing onto leaves (which can spread disease).

Troubleshooting Common Cucumber Problems

Bitter Cucumbers

Heat stress, inconsistent watering Water deeply and regularly; harvest frequently; provide afternoon shade in very hot climates 

Yellowing Leaves

Powdery mildew or downy mildew Improve air circulation; water at base only; remove affected leaves; apply organic fungicide if necessary

Flowers But No Fruit

Poor pollination Plant pollinator-friendly flowers nearby; hand-pollinate by transferring pollen between flowers with a small brush 

Cucumber Beetles

Common pest that transmits bacterial wilt Cover young plants with row cover until flowering; use yellow sticky traps; remove beetles by hand in morning

Harvest Guide

When to Harvest

Size is less important than age—cucumbers become bitter if left too long. Slicing cucumbers are typically ready at 6-8 inches long; pickling cucumbers at 2-5 inches.

How to Harvest

Use scissors or pruners to cut the stem ¼ inch above the fruit. Pulling can damage vines.

Pro Tip

Harvest cucumbers every 1-2 days once production begins. Regular harvesting signals the plant to produce more fruits. Morning harvests typically yield the crispest cucumbers.