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

18 Nov 10, Russell (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted (seedlings) 4 cucumbers and 6 zucchinis (Zs) in deep well nourished soil (Bokashied food scraps) in an area about 140 X 90cm, put 4 180cm stakes at the corners and strung wire horizontally at 20cm intervals to support the Z leaves which are huge. During growth I am removing many of the Z leaves to let the sun in. I spray any powdery mildew (pm) with Echo Rose which 'eats' pm (and black spot). Fantastic results. Not like last year when the Zs went all over the place on the ground with stacks of pm
28 Jul 10, Darren (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Has anyone tried growing the armenian type cucumbers up in brisbane if so did you grow on a trellis
13 Apr 13, Alex (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Heya did you ever find about growing these? They sound amazing and I was considering giving it a shot on the GC Hinterland.
28 Jul 10, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I grew them in Armidale (cool climate) last summer. They did fine growing sprawling across the ground.
16 May 10, Phil (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've heard that leaving sliced or whole cucumber in the garden helps to ward off bugs and beasties. Is this true?
05 Jun 10, Martyn (Australia - temperate climate)
We've had success with sliced cucumber on aluminium trays. Maybe its the taste (to the slugs and snails) or a chemical reaction with the Al but they've stayed away
18 May 10, (Australia - temperate climate)
Lots of slugs and slaters have been tucking into the old cucumbers I didn't harvest, so it doesn't work for them!
03 Apr 10, Michelle (Australia - temperate climate)
I've just transplanted my lebanese cucumbers & they've now started turning yellow on their leaves. I'm not sure what could be the problem as the ground is very fertile and there's no problem with the amount of water that I give them. Please help !!
29 Jan 11, Bob (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You may have damaged the root system, pop some more seeds in, keep mulch away from the stem.
15 Feb 10, Kellie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
hi there, I am a new gardener, growing cucumber in pots on my verandah. I get to the stage where a couple of fruit are produced and then the leaves turn yellow and brittle and the whole plant seems to die back. Any ideas? Many thanks!
Showing 431 - 440 of 494 comments

Hi! steve. when growing cucumbers in a container you must have good drainage the best fertilizer is blood and bone,& superphosphate.when first planted in a 13ltr container about one good handfull of each mixed well in to your potting mix then half a hand full wartered in when you have five leaves on the plant dont worry about to many flowers as the males will drop off and your females will give you fruit dont water the leaves or your will invite disease and white fly.all the best.

- dennis

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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.
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