Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

The cucumber requires consistent watering - ideally, it should be given at least 2.5 cm of water per week, and usually more during the summer when temperatures are high and soil dries out faster. Though you should take care not to waterlog it, the soil around the cucumber should be kept from drying out. In spring and fall, when growth is slower, you can taper your watering slightly.

Fertilization

To encourage flower and fruit growth, cucumber should be given a fertilizer that's low in nitrogen (which encourages stem and leaf growth) but high in phosphorus and potassium; a 3-6-4 or 5-10-10 mix usually works fine. Fertilizer, either powder or liquid, can be applied often – give some during planting, after flowering, and then every three weeks while the plants are fruiting.

Soil

Loam, Sand, Clay, Acidic, Neutral

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

5 to 11

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Cucumber

Water

Twice per week

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

5 to 11

Planting Time

Spring, Early summer

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Questions About Cucumber

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Cucumber?

Not only does the Cucumber have certain preferences regarding how much water it receives, but it also cares deeply about how you provide that water. In fact, if you don't use the proper watering technique, you risk harming your tomatoes. The best way to water Cucumber is to apply the water directly to the soil in a slow and gentle manner. You should not pour all of the water into the soil at once, and you should not do overhead watering for your Cucumber. Although you should water slowly, you should also water deeply to ensure that all of the soil in which your Cucumber grows is sufficiently moist.

What should I do if I water my Cucumber too much or too little?

If you find that you have overwatered your Cucumber and you are concerned about the associated risk of disease, you should intervene immediately. Often the best approach for an overwatered Cucumber is to uproot it from its current growing location. Once the plant is out of the ground, you can allow its roots to dry a bit before planting it in a new growing location. Ensure that the new growing location has soil with good drainage. If you grow in pots, you may also want to move your plant to a pot with more or larger drainage holes. In the case of underwatering, all you will need to do is increase the frequency with which you supply water to your plant.

How often should I water my Cucumber?

Overall, Cucumber requires a significant amount of water throughout the growing season. To meet that high water need, you'll need to water early and often throughout the spring and summer. During the earlier parts of the growing season, you should water your Cucumber about once or twice per week. As the season progresses, you should increase your watering frequency. You may need to water it twice per day or more during summer, depending on the weather. After your Cucumber have gone through their major seasonal growth phases, you can reduce the frequency of your watering to about once per week until the end of the growing season.

How much water does my Cucumber need?

Since Cucumber are incredibly popular, with many professional and amateur gardeners growing them successfully, we have a pretty clear idea of how to care for these plants. That understanding includes specific knowledge about the precise volume of water an average Cucumber should receive. Generally, Cucumber will require about 1 - 1.5 inches of water per week. That volume should be dispersed evenly through your weekly watering. As the weather gets warmer, you may need to supply more water, but in most cases, two inches per week is a good baseline amount.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Cucumber enough?

Underwatering and overwatering can both occur as problems for your Cucumber, and both these problems can manifest with similar symptoms. For example, foliage discoloration and wilting can both result from either overwatering or underwatering. When your Cucumber is underwatered, its leaves will be curling and drooping at the beginning. You will see a bunch of leaves turn less vigorous. Underwatering is also likely to cause stunted growth and poor overall development as both the flowers and this plant require a high amount of water. Overwatering is more likely to lead to disease, including rot. Overwatering may also lead to unpleasant smells rising from your plant's soil. The symptoms of underwatering will show up quicker than overwatering. Overwatering can also be evident in soil conditions. Mainly, if you notice a lot of standing water or waterlogged soils, overwatering is likely to occur.

How should I water my Cucumber through the seasons?

As alluded to above, your Cucumber's water needs will repeatedly change throughout the seasons. During most of spring and summer, you should water your Cucumber about once every week. As the heat of summer arrives, you should plan to increase your watering frequency to once or twice per day. In the late summer and fall, towards the end of the harvest period, you can reduce your watering frequency to about once per week. After harvest has ended, you can cease watering as your Cucumber has reached the end of its life cycle and will require no further soil moisture.

The maintenance schedule of Cucumber will require you to alter the amount of water you provide depending on the plant's current growth stage. Early on, especially if you grow your Cucumber from seeds, you'll need to provide water often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture, which encourages root development. When the plant becomes old enough to produce flowers, it will likely need even more water. During the fruit development growth stage, your Cucumber will likely need the most water out of any growth period, at times requiring water more than twice per day. Following that phase, the water needs of Cucumber will decline significantly.

What's the difference between watering Cucumber indoors and outdoors?

Whether you grow Cucumber indoors or outdoors can also play a role in how you water them. Cucumber that grows outdoors may receive water from natural rainfall, which will reduce the amount of supplemental water you should supply. However, it is incredibly rare for rainfall to adequately replace your watering entirely. Plants that grow indoors, along with any Cucumber that grows in a container, will need to be watered more frequently than those that grow in the ground outdoors. If you choose this route, please make sure that the plant gets enough water by checking the soil moisture within your pot often to keep your Cucumber healthy.

Does my Cucumber need to be pruned?

As an anuual plant, Cucumber can’t survive frost. This means that the plant will die in colder climates before it gets large enough to benefit from pruning. Cutting back the plants will help you maintain its shape and may even improve fruit production. It also lets you remove dead and dying plant material to improve its health in the long run.

When is the best time to prune my Cucumber?

Yellowing and spotted leaves need to be pruned off during the growth of the plant to reduce disease infection and to provide more space for new healthy leaves to grow. If you find the fruits are growing too dense and close, please cut off the stunted and small ones to lead more nutrition to the good ones to avoid fruit dropping or the overall failure of fruit production. Moreover, please cut off the dead, wilted leaves and branches to protect the whole plant from diseases and bugs feeding on rotten materials.

How do I prune my Cucumber?

Once you’re ready to prune Cucumber, it’s best to start by pruning out any dead or damaged vines and branches. Remove anything that shows wounds or signs of pest damage—a small problem can quickly get out of hand without intervention. After this point, direct your cuts to shape the plant how you want it. Remove any errant tendrils and side shoots off the main stem that are encroaching on your garden space. Fewer branches per plant can lead to higher quality fruit overall. Cut off shoots that are entirely at ground level, as they carry the highest risk of transmitting disease, especially in wet conditions when soil pathogens might splash onto the stems. This pruning process also provides the opportunity to train the vine along a trellis. Note: it’s okay to prune aggressively, but never remove more than ½ to 1/3 of the total plant. Doing so may cause unnecessary stress and reduce its potential for photosynthesizing, which will make it harder for the plant to produce new growth.

What tools should I use for pruning my Cucumber?

It takes minimal equipment to prune Cucumber. Here’s what you should have on hand:

Thick gardening gloves
Sharp garden shears or pruners
Rubbing alcohol to sterilize the shears. Note: sterilize all pruning equipment between plants to reduce the risk of spreading disease

Can I grow my Cucumber from cuttings?

As an annual plant, it's difficult to propagate by cutting. The best way to get more Cucumber is by sowing.

Are there any tips for pruning my Cucumber?

Pruning your Cucumber should be straightforward, so long as you follow these guidelines:

Disinfect all pruning equipment before starting and between plants
Remove all dead, dying, or diseased growth
Prune any growth lying on the ground
Remove inward-growing stems that reduce airflow to the center of the plant

How much sunlight does Cucumber need to grow?

Exact needs vary, but a minimum of 6 to 8 hours per day is a good rule of thumb for Cucumber to grow and produce fruit.

What type of sunlight does Cucumber need?

Cucumber requires full sun, meaning that it should be grown in a location that gets direct sunlight that isn’t blocked by obstacles such as trees, fences, or buildings. In general, the faster the plant grows, the more hours of sunlight it will need. Morning sun is best for photosynthesis.

Should I protect Cucumber from sun exposure?

Cucumber should not need to be protected from the sun in most climates. Those who live in a desert or near the equator may find that the sun is too harsh for the types of plants they want to grow, but this is the exception.

What will happen if Cucumber doesn't get enough sunlight?

All plants need sunlight to convert into energy. Plants that have a short growing season need even more light and energy than those that grow slowly, as they need to complete all their processes to grow and produce fruit within just a few months.

The first symptoms of insufficient sunlight in Cucumber are pale and yellow leaves that are not able to generate enough chlorophyll to keep their healthy green color. The leaves may eventually fall off, and new growth is small and weak. The plant may become leggy and sparse as it stretches toward the available light.

Finally, without enough light the plant will not be able to produce large, high-quality edible leaves or fruit. Cucumber needs to devote a lot of energy into growing leaves and fruits, so if there isn’t enough light available for it to convert, the harvest will suffer.

What will happen if Cucumber gets too much sunlight?

Cucumber can get sunburned from intense sunlight, especially when coupled with high temperatures and not having enough water. Afternoon sun tends to be most likely to burn plants. Scalded leaves develop faded patches of light brown to white on the areas at the top of the plant that are exposed to the most sun. They are especially vulnerable to this right after being transplanted from a shadier location to being in full sun. Transitioning plants gradually or providing them with a barrier while they are adjusting can help prevent sunscald in young plants.

In many cases, Cucumber develops leaves that are large enough to protect fruits from the strongest rays of the sun. However, if intense sunlight is in contact with fruits, they can also be damaged. Avoid over-pruning those protective leaves so that the fruits don’t get burned.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Cucumber?

Cucumber may become unbalanced if it gets significantly more light on one side than the other. Ideally, you can plant your Cucumber in a location away from obstacles that might block light, and where the distribution of sunlight is even on all sides.

Be careful about planting tall species next to those that grow closer to the ground. It may not be obvious when the crops are first planted, but over time the taller plants may begin to block the amount of sunlight that can reach the shorter plants.

Morning sun helps to dry dew and precipitation, which helps prevent infection from diseases that can develop when water sits on the plant. If you are watering or irrigating your Cucumber, this should be done in the morning.

What is the optimal temperature for Cucumber?

There is an ideal temperature range that makes Cucumber feel at home. Under these temperature conditions, it's unlikely that you’ll have any issues with cold or hot damage to the foliage, but changing leaf colors can absolutely be a sign that Cucumber isn’t happy. Try to keep your Cucumber well within its preferred range of 70-85℉(21-30℃), but don’t panic if the temperature creeps up past 85℉(30℃) during the day or down to 70℉(21℃) at night.

How can I protect Cucumber from extreme temperatures outdoors?

If your Cucumber happens to be planted outside, then there’s not much you can do to try to move it indoors. However, you can certainly provide cover in ways that will help it survive any extreme temperatures that may arise unexpectedly. For instance, you can always use a few stakes and some cloth to put together a shade tent that will block out much of the sun’s intense heat from direct sunlight exposure.

Similarly, Cucumber can be protected from the extreme cold and especially chilly winds by building a small greenhouse around the plant, which will create a greenhouse effect and warm the plant up. This can be done using garden stakes and any sort of clear or translucent plastic you may have around; if you have greenhouse plastic such as polycarbonate laying around, this works perfectly. Remove the greenhouse once temperatures warm up to 40℉(10℃) at night.

Does Cucumber need different temperatures in different seasons?

Generally speaking, Cucumber needs to stay within its preferred temperature range all year long. However, that doesn’t mean that care should stay the same all year long. During the warmest months of the year, Cucumber will need a little extra shade and a bit more of a breeze to help it cope with the hottest days. On the other hand, it may need to be moved away from chilly windows and doors during the cooler months in climates where temperatures drop below 40℉(10℃) at any point in the year.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Cucumber?

Keeping your Cucumber at the right temperature can be fairly simple. Depending on where you grow it, Cucumber can be fairly easy to accommodate. For indoor growing, you can easily move the plant to different locations within your indoor space that best meet its temperature requirements. Avoid placing it near air conditioning vents, heaters, doors that open frequently, or drafty windows.

It is a little more difficult to control the temperature around your Cucumber if it’s grown outside. Of course, if it’s planted in a pot, you can simply bring it indoors when the temperatures outside get too hot or too cold for Cucumber, but otherwise, you may need to take different measures to protect it from extreme heat or cold that may damage it irreversibly. Try placing Cucumber under cover to protect from both the harsh sun that can overheat it and any cold wind that could be potentially deadly for your plant.

Why do I need to fertilize my Cucumber?

Naturally every type of plant requires nutrients to grow properly, but when we grow Cucumber for its fruit, the harvest will be best if the soil is supplemented to provide more of what plants need. Each of the main macronutrients provides something different to plants. Phosphorus is the key nutrient that promotes the formation of flowers and fruit. Of course, a plant cannot produce flowers and fruit without a proper root system and healthy leaves to absorb sunlight, so the nutrients that support those parts of the plant are also necessary. Without enough of the necessary macronutrients, plants lack vitality, grow more slowly, and may wilt. Plants have to devote a lot of energy to flowering and fruiting, so if they are lacking in these main components that support their processes the resulting fruits will show that deficiency as well.

When is the best time to fertilize my Cucumber?

Cucumber is a summer crop, and needs to be planted in the spring to produce fruits during the summer months. Check the specific variety to see when it should be planted. Cucumber requires rich, fertile soil to yield high quality produce. Before planting, mix a 2 inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. These materials add nutrients to the soil that can help kick-start growth for your Cucumber, and also increase the drainage of the soil. Transplants can be fertilized immediately after planting, but seedlings should reach a height of 2 to 4 inches before being fertilized for the first time. For established plants, feed about every 3 to 4 weeks throughout the growing season, until the first frost or when the plant stops producing.

Check the specific fertilizer type as well as the variety of Cucumber to be sure that you are customizing your fertilization schedule to your situation. It is always better to fertilize less if you are not sure.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Cucumber?

Avoid giving Cucumber a fertilizer with too much nitrogen, since this can lead to development of plenty of leaves but not many blooms or fruits. Look for fertilizer with a lower level of nitrogen compared to other nutrients. Don’t fertilize Cucumber when temperatures are high or when conditions are very dry. Doing so can cause the fertilizer to wash through the soil without being absorbed. Plants also have less ability to absorb nutrients during hot weather, which can allow the fertilizer to stay in the soil and prevent the plants from being able to take up water. This can be dangerous to plants during a drought or heatwave.

What type of fertilizer does my Cucumber need?

The best way to know what kind of fertilizer your Cucumber needs is to first determine what is already plentiful in your soil and what might be lacking. The best way to understand this is to use a soil test to better understand your soil composition, although many people are able, through trial and error, to successfully grow Cucumber without doing a test. You can find a commercial fertilizer specifically for almost any variety of Cucumber, but it’s not necessary to purchase a different one for every vegetable you decide to grow. If you can determine their basic needs along with what is already available in your soil, you will be able to use the same fertilizer for many different plants. Many growers like to use a high-phosphorus fertilizer that supports flowers and fruits. High-phosphorus fertilizers are those that have an NPK ratio in which the middle number is highest, such as 8-32-16 or 10-30-10. That said, some people just use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 for all of their garden plants to keep things simple.

How do I fertilize my Cucumber?

Different types of fertilizer will come with their own individual instructions, including the need to dilute some varieties or carefully measure out others. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully and do your research so you can avoid over fertilizing your garden. If your Cucumber is planted in a row, the side-dressing method can be used to be sure that fertilizer reaches the roots but no fertilizer touches the plant itself. This method involves mixing the fertilizer into the soil along the rows on either side, about 3 to 4 inches away from the base of the plant. Water then washes the nutrients into the soil and down to the roots. If side-dressing does not work for the configuration of your garden, you can always apply your fertilizer to the soil around the plant, again staying about 3 to 4 inches away. Granular type fertilizers can be scattered onto the soil, then lightly mixed in to make sure they are incorporated where you want them. Water thoroughly after applying dry fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers are mixed into a watering can and the mixture is used to water and fertilize plants at the same time. Foliar feeding involves spraying the leaves with a specialized fertilizer mix instead of putting nutrients into the soil.

What happens if I fertilize my Cucumber too much?

Over-fertilizing Cucumber can lead to root burn and even the death of the entire plant in extreme cases. More often, the plant will develop a lot of lush green foliage, but the flowering and fruiting will be reduced. With more leaves, there is also the danger of inviting more pests that feed on your Cucumber. It is possible to over-fertilize with both natural fertilizers or chemical fertilizers, although the latter is more common. Nitrogen is the most likely to cause problems but any nutrient in excess will cause similar problems. When using multiple types of fertilizer of soil amendment, make sure you understand everything that they will be introducing to your soil. If you add several different soil amendments that all contain the same nutrient, you could overdo it before you realize what has happened. Finally, it is important to avoid applying too much fertilizer as it can pollute groundwater. Unused nitrogen is not absorbed into the soil, so it can drain into nearby water sources and cause high concentrations of nitrates. High levels of nitrogen-nitrate are unhealthy for human and animal consumption, so it is very important to only use as much fertilizer as plants need.

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More About How-Tos

Explore 6 of plant how-tos on Feng shui direction, Water, Lighting, Temperature, Transplant, etc.

Feng shui direction

North

Cucumber is often considered compatible in North-facing areas due to its association with the water element, which is believed to nourish and energize the space. However, individual experiences may vary, as Feng Shui principles can be interpreted differently.

Water

Twice per week

Cucumber originates from a warm environment, preferring consistent moisture. Water when the soil feels dry to touch, ensuring the roots remain hydrated without overwatering.

Lighting

Full sun

Cucumber craves generous exposure to the sun for flourishing health. The origin habitat conditions match this requirement. Throughout growth stages, plentiful solar exposure is essential. However, too less or too much sun can hinder growth, causing pale or withered foliage, affecting overall health.

Temperature

10 to 35 ℃

Cucumber is native to an environment where temperatures range from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It thrives at these temperatures and may require adaptations in colder or hotter climates. Adjustments such as using greenhouses or shade clothes may be necessary based on the season.

Transplant

1-2 feet

The perfect time for transplanting cucumber is during the delightful mid to late spring season. For ideal growth, ensure cucumber transplants are placed in well-drained, fertile soil and a sunny location. Remember, tender loving care goes a long way for these delicate annuals!

Pollination

Easy

Buzzing bees are the star players in cucumber's pollination process. On their quest for nectar, these diligent pollinators ensure the transfer of pollen between flowers. Cucumber's radiant yellow flowers, which only bloom for a day, create a tantalizing treat for these pollinators. This captivating dance between cucumber and the bees unfolds primarily in the morning, leading to successful fruit formation.

This perennial herb, the spiny-head mat-rush or Lomandra longifolia, is commonly found in Australia. It is highly drought-tolerant and often used in roadside plantings in New Zealand and the United States.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Cucumber based on 10 million real cases

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

Solutions: For less serious cases: Remove beetles, nymphs, and eggs. Remove all life stages of the beetles and kill them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This can be done more easily by placing the bucket under affected leaves and shaking the plant. This method is most effective in the afternoon when leaf beetles are more active. Always dispose of insects in a sealed bag or container to avoid escape and spread. To treat more serious infestations: Apply organic insecticides. Use naturally-derived insecticides before moving on to synthetic insecticides. Neem oil and pyrethrum are naturally-derived insecticides that should be applied following label instructions. Apply synthetic insecticides. Examples of insecticides effective for leaf beetles include carbaryl, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.

Sap-sucking insects

Sap-sucking insects can create dense clusters of small yellow or white spots on the leaves.

Solutions: Sap-sucking insects can be hard to spot, as they are often small and attach to the undersides of plant leaves. If you see signs of an infestation, follow these steps to eradicate it. Hand-pick bugs and remove eggs: Inspect your plants for insects and drop any you find in a container of soapy water. Look carefully at the undersides of plant leaves and squish any egg clusters you find. Use Insecticide: Targeted spraying can take out sap-sucking insects. Small infestations can be controlled with insecticidal soap, though larger outbreaks might require a stronger spray. Introduce natural predators: Many insects, including ladybugs and praying mantises, love to feast on sap-suckers. You can purchase them at garden stores and release them near infected plants, or encourage wild ones by creating habitat space.

Leaf rot

This pathogen can cause the leaves to rot.

Solutions: Bacterial infections need to be treated quickly to prevent the spread to neighboring, healthy plants, potentially wiping out large sections of your indoor or outdoor garden. In mild cases: Use sterilized (10% bleach solution) pruning shears or scissors to remove any infected plant parts, making sure to dispose of them off site. Use a copper-based bactericide to treat the unaffected foliage, as well as the soil, and neighboring plants. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label. In severe cases, where more than half the leaves are affected: Remove all of the infected plants from the garden, disposing of them off site. Treat the soil and neighboring plants using a copper-based bactericide. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label.

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fleshy moth or butterfly larvae that come in an array of colors, patterns, and even hairstyles. They chew on leaves and flower petals, creating large, irregular holes.

Solutions: Even though caterpillars are diverse, they all chew on plant parts and can cause significant damage if present in large numbers. For severe cases: Apply insecticide. For an organic solution, spray plants with a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which specifically affects the larval stage of moths and butterflies. Be sure to coat plants, since caterpillars need to ingest Bt for it to be effective. This will not harm other insects. Spray a chili extract. Chili seeds can be cooked in water to make a spicy spray that caterpillars don't like. Spray this mixture on the plants, but be aware it will also be spicy to humans. Introduce beneficial insects. Release beneficial insects to the garden that eat caterpillars, such as parasitic wasps. For less severe cases: Hand pick. Using gloves, pick off caterpillars on plants and dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water. Dust plants with diatomaceous earth. This powder is harmless to humans but irritates caterpillars. Therefore, it will make it difficult for caterpillars to move and eat.

Yellow spot

Leaf spot can show up as yellow or white spots on the leaves.

Solutions: Diseases Fungicides can prevent the transmission of spores, but they may not treat the established infection. The first step is removing and disposing of all infected plant parts. Then apply recommended chemicals. For bacterial infections, apply a spray containing copper or streptomycin. For fungal infections, consult the local cooperative extension for recommendations on which fungicides will work best. Nutrient deficiency Apply a liquid fertilizer via foliar application to fix the deficiency quickly. Follow label directions regarding dosing instructions and application notes, such as not using before the rain or when temperatures are out of the recommended range. Incorrect watering Determine the water requirements for your specific plant, and follow accordingly. Some plants like consistently moist soil, and others like the soil to dry out slightly before being watered. Pests Thoroughly apply an insecticidal soap, an organic product like neem oil, or an appropriate chemical insecticide to the plant.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Vegetable garden

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Vine, Herb

Flower Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Name story

Garden cucumber

Cucumis in latin means ‘cucumber’ and it was derived from the Greek word, kykyon. As this is plant is commonly planted in gardens, it is then called garden cucumber.

Symbolism

Resurrection, redemption

Usages

Garden Use

An absolute essential in veggie gardens, the cucumber is one of the most commonly grown garden vegetables around the world. Its ease of care makes it widely valued by gardeners. Cucumber plants will benefit from being grown with corn or sunflowers, which act as natural trellises. You can also plant them with marigolds to help repel bugs.

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Cucurbitales

Family

Gourd

Genus

Melon

Species

Cucumber

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Loam, Sand, Clay, Acidic, Neutral

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Add to My Garden

Cucumber

Cucumis sativus

Also known as: Immature Cucumber, Common cucumber

Water

Twice per week

Sunlight

Full sun

Care Guide for Cucumber

Water

Fertilization

Soil

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

Hardiness Zones

5 to 11

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Questions About Cucumber

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Cucumber?

What should I do if I water my Cucumber too much or too little?

How often should I water my Cucumber?

How much water does my Cucumber need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Cucumber enough?

How should I water my Cucumber through the seasons?

What's the difference between watering Cucumber indoors and outdoors?

Does my Cucumber need to be pruned?

When is the best time to prune my Cucumber?

How do I prune my Cucumber?

What tools should I use for pruning my Cucumber?

Can I grow my Cucumber from cuttings?

Are there any tips for pruning my Cucumber?

How much sunlight does Cucumber need to grow?

What type of sunlight does Cucumber need?

Should I protect Cucumber from sun exposure?

What will happen if Cucumber doesn't get enough sunlight?

What will happen if Cucumber gets too much sunlight?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Cucumber?

What is the optimal temperature for Cucumber?

How can I protect Cucumber from extreme temperatures outdoors?

Does Cucumber need different temperatures in different seasons?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Cucumber?

Why do I need to fertilize my Cucumber?

When is the best time to fertilize my Cucumber?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Cucumber?

What type of fertilizer does my Cucumber need?

How do I fertilize my Cucumber?

What happens if I fertilize my Cucumber too much?

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More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Cucumber based on 10 million real cases

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

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Sap-sucking insects

Sap-sucking insects can create dense clusters of small yellow or white spots on the leaves.

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Leaf rot

This pathogen can cause the leaves to rot.

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Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

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Caterpillars

Caterpillars are fleshy moth or butterfly larvae that come in an array of colors, patterns, and even hairstyles. They chew on leaves and flower petals, creating large, irregular holes.

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Yellow spot

Leaf spot can show up as yellow or white spots on the leaves.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Vegetable garden

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Vine, Herb

Flower Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Name story

Garden cucumber

Cucumis in latin means ‘cucumber’ and it was derived from the Greek word, kykyon. As this is plant is commonly planted in gardens, it is then called garden cucumber.

Symbolism

Resurrection, redemption

Usages

Garden Use

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Cucurbitales

Family

Gourd

Genus

Melon

Species

Cucumber

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