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

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28 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
On all cucurbits which include cucumbers, melons, squash, pumpkins and zucchinis the female flower has a small fruit behind the flower. the male flowers, which contain pollen, do not and are generally on longer thinner stems. If the female flower is pollinated (fertilised) by pollen from the male flower the fruit will continue to develop to maturity
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08 Jan 17, Lynda Allan (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
My cucumbers start to develop then yellow and die off?
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07 Jan 17, Lynda Allan (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
My cucumbers have flowers and start to develop fruit and then when very small go yellow and die.
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12 Jan 17, Anna (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Your cucumbers havent been properly pollinated. I suggest you get a small paintbrush and pollinate them by taking some pollen from the male flower and applying it to the female flower.I use this method with pumpkins and watermelon too
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09 Jan 17, Joanne2167 (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I have had the same problem and looked it up and decided it was they were not pollinating. Try hand pollination. There are plenty of web sites to help.
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09 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Usual reason is they haven't pollinated. Give them a bit more time and some more male flowers and you should get your rewards.
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07 Jan 17, Jeff (Australia - temperate climate)
I have picked crystal apple cue's in past seasons and they have been bitter i have a few that look like they are close, any tips on the best time to pick? nothing nicer than an apple cucumber sandwich :-)
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09 Jan 17, John (Australia - arid climate)
I have always eaten Crystal Apple when they are quite white. When they go creamy, then yellow they have always have been bitter for me. I don't grow them now for that reason.
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06 Jan 17, Posholi (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi,I am in Maseru Lesotho. Where in the Freestate province can i purchase cucumber seedlings??
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03 Jan 17, Ken (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Planted at least 10 weeks ago,no sign of fruit.
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Showing 211 - 220 of 497 comments
See comments for all plants

Why do my cucumber plants have some yellow leaves. I have given them general Fertilizer and also Worm team. Do I need to do anything more as I may have planted them a bit early. Also how do I tell the difference between a female and male flower.

- Judy Chisholm

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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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