Stephen Albert
Plant cucumber seeds in the garden 1 to 2 weeks after the last frost, or when the soil is at least 60°F (16°C). Set cucumber seedlings in the garden 2 weeks after the last frost.
Grow cucumbers in humus-rich, well-drained soil. Cucumbers are heavy feeders and need a moderate amount of nitrogen and potassium and a high amount of phosphorus; use an organic fertilizer formulated for tomatoes. Keep the soil evenly moist during flowering and fruit development.
Cucumbers grow well as a trellised crop; the fruit will grow straighter, cleaner, and healthier. Remove the lateral branches from the bottom 18 inches of stem for the best fruit production; this strategy will delay the onset of fruits but will result in a greater number of fruits.
In short-season regions with late last frost dates, plant cucumbers as soon as peas and spinach are finished.
Cucumber planting dates
(These dates are for the Northern Hemisphere)
| Average date of the last frost | Planting dates |
| Jan. 30 | Feb. 15-Mar. 15 |
| Feb. 8 | Feb. 15-Apr. 1 |
| Feb. 18 | Feb. 15- Apr. 15 |
| Feb. 28 | Mar. 1-Apr. 15 |
| Mar. 10 | Mar. 15-Apr. 15 |
| Mar. 20 | Apr. 1-May 1 |
| Mar. 30 | Apr. 10-May 15 |
| Apr. 10 | Apr. 20-June 1 |
| Apr. 20 | May 1-June 15 |
| Apr. 30 | May 15-June 15 |
| May 10 | May 20-June 15 |
| May 20 | June 1-15 |
| May 30 | June 5-15 |
| June 10 | June 10-15 |
Cucumber planting details
- Sowing depth: 1/2 inch (12mm) or slightly more
- Space between plant after thinning: 12-24 inches (30-60cm)
- Days to sprout: 8-12
- Days to harvest: 50-70
- Storage period: 1-2 weeks
- Seeds per 100-row feet: 3/4 ounces
- Yield per 100-row feet: 600 fruits
- Suggested varieties: Slicers: Marketmore, Bush Champion, Salad Bush, Diva; Picklers: Pickalot, Pioneer, Northern Pickling; Others: Suyo Long, Lemon, Armenian; For containers: Pot Luck, Spacemaster, Salad Bush.
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