English Cucumber Planting Guide
Long, seedless cucumber with thin, edible skin and mild, crisp flesh — no peeling required
Flavor notes: Thin-skinned, mild, and nearly seedless.
Variety notes: Long, thin-skinned type; usually needs trellising.
Best Time and Place to Plant Cucumber
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant English Cucumber in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 70F to 95F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 60 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 20 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 15 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 10 to June 5 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | May 1 to June 1 | Varies |
| Zone 5 | April 25 to May 25 | Varies |
| Zone 6 | April 15 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Varies |
| Zone 8 | March 15 to May 1 | Varies |
| Zone 9 | March 1 to April 15 | July 15 to August 15 |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 1 | August 1 to September 1 |
| Zone 11 | February 1 to March 15 | August 15 to October 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 15 to March 1 | September 1 to October 15 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 1 inches deep
- Spacing: 18 inches apart, 60 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 70F to 95F
- Sunlight: 8+ hours
- Watering: 1-2 inches per week; consistent moisture prevents bitterness
- Days to harvest: 60
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
- Marigold
Avoid Planting Near
- Potatoes
- Aromatic herbs
- Melons
Harvest Signs
- Fruit is 12-14 inches long and uniformly dark green
- Skin is smooth with no bumps or yellowing
- Harvest before tips begin to yellow
- Grows best on a trellis for straight fruit
FAQs
When should I plant Cucumber?
Cucumber planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. 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 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Cucumber?
Plant English Cucumber in a spot with 8+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 70F to 95F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 60 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Cucumber?
Plant Cucumber about 18 inches apart, with rows around 60 inches apart.
What grows well with Cucumber?
Cucumber is commonly paired with Beans, Corn, Peas, Marigold.