Cucumbers
Cucumbers are vining plants and members of the cucurbit family. Train vining cucumbers up a trellis, fence or another kind of support for easier harvest, straighter fruits, and to prevent diseases. If your garden lacks pollinators, you can pollinate by hand. Consider planting flowers that attract beneficial insects and avoiding using insecticides that may kill desired insects such as bees.
Some cucumbers are prone to bitterness, especially at the stem end and under the skin. Good cultivation practices, such as growing in full sun and keeping them well watered, may reduce the likelihood of bitterness.
Cultural tips for growing cucumbers, UC IPM
Planting
- Transplant or direct seed 12 to 18 inches apart in May to June.
- Cucumbers are very sensitive to cold. For best results, wait until daytime temperatures are regularly in the high 70s to 80s°F and soil temperature is at least 65 to 70°F.
- If growing your own seedlings, start the seeds 4 weeks before you want to plant.
Harvesting
- Harvest at the recommended size, which depends on the variety: typically 6 to 7 inches for slicing cucumbers and 2 to 5 inches for pickling.
- Cucumbers should be picked frequently, every one or two days. Plants will stop or slow production if older fruits stay on the vine.
- Overmature cucumbers will turn yellow.
Pest management
- Keep an eye out for pests attracted to cucumbers, especially cucumber beetles, snails, and slugs.
- Remove any plants infected with mosaic virus as soon as they are detected to reduce the continued spreading of the disease.
Pests and disorders of cucumber, UC IPM
More links
Recommended varieties for Santa Clara County*
| Japanese Climbing | Taste testing winner for green cucumber at Master Gardener cucumber trial. Good variety for climbing. Fruits are 7 to 9 inches long by 3 inches in diameter. Good for slicing. |
| Marketmore 76 | Top production in trial. |
| Stallion White | Taste testing winner for white cucumber at Master Gardener cucumber trial. Burpless, 6 to 8 inches long. Crisp and sweet. Very good flavor. High yielding. The favorite. |
Other recommended varieties: Armenian, Burpee Hybrid, Chinese Cucumber, Early Triumph, Holland, Kidma, Lemon, Sweet Slice
* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. See tested varieties in the above article: Cucumber Trial. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.