Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Cucumber grows in full sun and prefers well-drained fertile soil. Water needs: Moderate.
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Plant reference images showing growth stages and identifying features.
How to Grow Cucumber
Cucumber growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Well-drained fertile soil with a soil pH of 6.0-7.0, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 4-12. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Cucumber as 3-10 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1/2 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 50-70 days.
Plant Overview
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is listed in the Cucurbitaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Beginner.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0004
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Plant type
- Vegetable
- Life cycle
- Annual
- Growth habit
- Fast-growing trailing or climbing vine
- Mature height
- Usually 6-8 ft or more when trained vertically
- Mature spread
- Approximately 3-6 ft when allowed to trail
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Growing Conditions
Cucumber is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Well-drained fertile soil. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 4-12.
- Hardiness zones
- 4-12
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.0
- Water needs
- Moderate
- Temperature range
- Best growth generally around 70-90°F
- Plant spacing
- 12-36 inches depending on training method
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 3-10 days and the seed depth is 1/2 inch. The listed time to maturity is 50-70 days. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 3-10 days
- Germination temperature
- About 70-90°F
- Seed depth
- 1/2 inch
- Start indoors
- Usually 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost if started indoors
- Transplanting
- Transplant carefully after frost danger has passed and soil is warm
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 50-70 days
- Harvest
- Harvest fruits while firm and before they become oversized and seedy
- Propagation
- Primarily by seed
- Pollination
- Separate male and female flowers; bees are important for fruit set
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Cucumber beetles, aphids, squash bugs and spider mites
- Uses
- Fresh eating, salads, pickling and preserving
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.