Cucumber
Cucumis sativus · Cucurbitaceae
📷 H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
It's peak harvest for cucumber: pick regularly and at the right stage to boost production and extend the season.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to July
- Adult size
- Up to 150 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (annual cultivation)
- Origin
- South Asia
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining
- Edibility
- Edible fruits
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Cucumber is thirsty for water but fears overspray on foliage which triggers powdery mildew: water at the base in the morning, avoid wetting the leaves. Support vigorously on stakes or espalier to maximize light and airflow.
The common mistake
Watering in the evening on the leaves thinking to cool them down: this creates a film of nighttime humidity where powdery mildew thrives.
The pro's trick
Pinch the main stem above the 4th or 5th leaf to encourage fruiting side shoots.
Care
Watering
Cucumber demands regular and abundant watering, especially during growth and fruiting periods. Keep the soil constantly moist without creating waterlogging. A mulch at the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Sunlight
Place your cucumber in full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A sunny exposure promotes good growth, abundant flowering, and optimal fruiting.
Soil
Cucumber prefers rich, well-structured and well-draining soil, enriched with organic matter. Adding compost or well-decomposed manure at planting time significantly improves yield and fruit quality.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer or one rich in potassium every 2 to 3 weeks during growth and fruiting. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would favor foliage at the expense of fruits.
Pruning and training
Guide the stems along a stake or trellis to save space and improve air circulation. You can pinch back the main stem above the 5th or 6th leaf to encourage lateral stem development and increase production.
Diseases and pests
Cucumber is sensitive to powdery mildew and rot, favored by excessive humidity. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage. Watch for aphids and spider mites, especially in hot and dry climates.
Did you know?
Cucumber was venerated by ancient Egyptians, who considered it a symbol of fertility. Cleopatra herself used it in her beauty treatments. Contrary to popular belief, cucumber is not a botanical berry but a pepo, a particular fruit structure typical of cucurbits.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- MelonCucumis melo
- ZucchiniCucurbita pepo
- Cucurbita moschataCucurbita moschata
- Southern ginsengGynostemma pentaphyllum
- Winter squashCucurbita maxima
- Mexican sour gherkinMelothria scabra
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.