When to Plant and Harvest Cucumber
Long, seedless cucumber with thin, edible skin and mild, crisp flesh, no peeling required
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
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
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 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 15 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 10 to June 5 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | May 1 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 25 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 15 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 15 to May 1 | Spring only |
| 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 | Year-round |
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
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
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
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
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.
How long does Cucumber take to grow?
Cucumber is typically ready to harvest in about 60 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 fruit is 12-14 inches long and uniformly dark green. Skin is smooth with no bumps or yellowing Harvest before tips begin to yellow