Growing Cucumber

cucumis sativis : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                  P P P

(Best months for growing Cucumber in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed

October: After risk of frost

  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 61°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 16 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Cut fruit off with scissors or sharp knife.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Nasturtiums, Beans, Celery, Lettuce, Sweet Corn, Cabbages, Sunflowers, Coriander, Fennel, Dill, Sunflowers
  • Avoid growing close to: Potato, Tomatoes

Your comments and tips

01 Dec 12, Heather (Australia - temperate climate)
We have had quite a number of fruit on the plant ( delicious by the way!!) but all of a sudden the leaves turned yellow and no more fruit. I have cut of those leaves. But the plant does not seem to be producing anymore.. any ideas please? Should the plant be pulled out due to being with other vegies in the vegie garden. Thanks
25 Nov 12, Rowayda (Australia - temperate climate)
The leaves on the underside of my Lebanese cucumber plants are turning yellow and then drying out. I'm fertilizing regularly and watering often. My cucumbers are planted on a slope and this is happening to the higher up plants. My cucumbers have taken a long time to flower, we planted them 2 1/2 months ago and we just picked our first lot. Any help appreciated.
04 Dec 12, (Australia - tropical climate)
dont let the leaves get wet when you water them try to keep the water at the base of the plant
22 Nov 12, Jan Stepanian (Australia - temperate climate)
Can someone please tell me what fertiliser or organic matter is best for growing Lebanese cucumbers.
16 Nov 12, Robbie Miller (Australia - temperate climate)
Plants are flowering heavily,fruits form then when they are about 2 to 3 cms in length they die off,what could be the cause of this? cheersRobbie.
19 Nov 12, Greggy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Infertile flowers can cause this - are there bees around?
05 Nov 12, Patricia Dehring (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I note that you suggest cucumbers and tomatoes should note be grown together. I have them side by side in grow bags, will that be ok. Also, is it wise to thin out leaves of the cucumber? Thanks
26 Oct 12, matthew mccallum (Australia - temperate climate)
Should i stake the young ones
22 Oct 12, Gary (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I've only know of growing cucumbers in a fence or trellis.. hearing of them being grown on the ground sounds very strange to me.. one it takes up more room and two it's more likely to have problems with bugs and such.
13 Jan 13, Charles L (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, growing them on the ground is begging for trouble. I'd say it's almost a guaranteed disease target. A trellis is really the only way to go....although I sometimes have them growing up adjacent bushes/small trees as well. On the ground the moisture and lack of air flow is a calling card for mildew and wilts..
Showing 361 - 370 of 495 comments

Bruce, My first guess is that you are over-watering them, but to make a proper assessment we would need to know how much you are watering them etc. Titi, I have tried espresso coffee (diluted) sprayed around the seedlings and this seems to keep the slugs and snails at bay.

- Grahame

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.