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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16 Mar 17, Margaret McDonald (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Why are the skins (of Lebanese cucumbers) so tough?
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02 Feb 17, Kiri baird (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi I have only had two cucumbers of my 3 plants is still early days?
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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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03 Jan 17, Ken (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Planted at least 10 weeks ago,no sign of fruit.
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06 Dec 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Emma, it sounds as though your cucumber plants have been eaten by slugs or snails. You could try some slug bait in half a plastic bottle (so that birds can't reach it) or go out with a torch to catch and kill them at night.
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Showing 21 - 25 of 25 comments
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Hi David, i dont bother to trellis, i let them grow like pumpkins along the ground. yes this can leave a yellowing on the bottom, but they grow well and taste perfect, in fact im having trouble keeping up with them. I did this last year because i planted seeds in a large seed raising tray and let them go to far before transplanting and so i just upturned the tray and planted it undisturbed in the middle of a garden bed. We are growing on raised beds as our soil is stoney and clay and we are totally reliant on rainwater. We are in central Victoria and have hot harsh summers so i set up a shadecloth cover for the really hot days. 13mm spray irrigation and we have had no powdery mildew at all. Hope your cues are starting to grow. :)

- Sarah Day

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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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