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Cucumber Growing Guide
Cucurbitaceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Vining
- Flowering
- Fruiting / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 27 | Jun 8 | Jun 8 | Jul 28 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 27 | Jun 8 | Jun 8 | Jul 28 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 17 | May 29 | May 29 | Jul 18 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 27 | Jun 8 | Jun 8 | Jul 28 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 24 | Jun 5 | Jun 5 | Jul 25 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 17 | May 29 | May 29 | Jul 18 |
| Zone 4a | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 19 | Jul 8 |
| Zone 4b | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 15 | Jul 4 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 12 | Jul 1 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 12 | Jul 1 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 12 | Jul 1 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 18 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jun 18 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 18 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Jun 18 |
| Zone 7b | Mar 13 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jun 13 |
| Zone 8a | Mar 8 | Apr 19 | Apr 19 | Jun 8 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 22 | Apr 5 | Apr 5 | May 25 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 20 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | May 23 |
| Zone 9b | Feb 10 | Mar 24 | Mar 24 | May 13 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 6 | Apr 25 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 31 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | Apr 2 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 31 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | Apr 2 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 18 | Jan 29 | Jan 29 | Mar 20 |
| Zone 12a | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Mar 6 |
| Zone 12b | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Mar 6 |
| Zone 13a | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Mar 6 |
| Zone 13b | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Mar 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Cucumber?
Cucumber takes approximately 60 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Cucumber need?
Cucumber requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Cucumber?
Plant Cucumber at 2/sqft (6-8" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Cucumber survive frost?
Cucumber is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
What are good companion plants for Cucumber?
Good companion plants for Cucumber include Dill, Marigolds, Beans, Peas, Corn. Avoid planting near Potatoes, Strong Herbs (Sage).
How long does Cucumber take to germinate?
Cucumber seeds germinate in 3-10 days at an optimal temperature of 85°F.
When should I start Cucumber seeds indoors?
Start Cucumber seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 3-4 weeks early
- Trellis vining types to save space and improve air circulation
- Provide consistent water to prevent bitter-tasting fruit
Common Pests & Diseases
- Cucumber beetle
- Powdery mildew
- Downy mildew
- Bacterial wilt
Harvest Notes
Pick slicing cucumbers at 6-8 inches and picklers at 2-4 inches. Harvest daily; overripe fruits slow production.
Plan Your Cucumber Garden
Track Cucumber from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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