When to Plant and Harvest Cucumber
Refreshing, crisp vegetable perfect for salads and pickling
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.5. Lime if a soil test reads below 6.0. Keep it within 6.0 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
Curing and storage: Store at 50 to 55F and 90 to 95% humidity. Keeps 10 to 14 days. Cure: No curing. Do not store cucumbers next to tomatoes, melons, or apples. Harvest Storage Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Garden salad, Greek salad, Gazpacho. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Flavor notes: Mild, crisp, and juicy.
Variety notes: Standard fresh cucumber for salads and snacking.
Best Time and Place to Plant Cucumber
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 15 to May 25. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Cucumber in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 70F to 95F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 60 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | June 1 to June 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 20 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | May 1 to June 5 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 25 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 20 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 15 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | April 1 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | March 15 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 10 | March 1 to May 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 11 | February 15 to April 20 | September 1 to October 15 |
| Zone 12 | February 1 to April 10 | September 15 to November 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 1 inches deep
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 60 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 70F to 95F
- Sunlight: 8+ hours
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently, 1-2 inches per week
- Days to harvest: 55
Fertilization
- High-nitrogen starter synthetic: At planting, then switch to balanced
- Aged Manure organic: 3 inches worked into soil before planting
- Liquid Seaweed organic: Foliar spray every 2 weeks
Companion Plants
- Beans
- Corn
- Peas
- Radishes
Avoid Planting Near
- Potatoes
- Aromatic herbs
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Firm to the touch with bright green color
- Size appropriate for variety (usually 6-8 inches for slicing)
- Before they turn yellow or get too large
- Pick daily during peak production to encourage more fruit
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
Major Varieties
- Pickling Cucumber: Shorter fruits bred for firm pickles and quick harvests.
- English Cucumber: Long, thin-skinned type; usually needs trellising.
FAQs
When should I plant Cucumber?
Cucumber planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 15 to May 25. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Cucumber?
The best time of year to plant Cucumber is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 70F to 95F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 15 to May 25. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Cucumber?
Plant Cucumber in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 70F to 95F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 60 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Cucumber?
Plant Cucumber about 12 inches apart, with rows around 60 inches apart.
What grows well with Cucumber?
Cucumber is commonly paired with Beans, Corn, Peas, Radishes.
How long does Cucumber take to grow?
Cucumber is typically ready to harvest in about 55 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Cucumber?
Harvest Cucumber when firm to the touch with bright green color. Size appropriate for variety (usually 6-8 inches for slicing) Before they turn yellow or get too large