Key Takeaways
- Cucumbers thrive in warm, sunny conditions and should be planted outdoors only after soil temperatures reach at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit, typically a few weeks after the last frost.
- To keep cucumbers happy, provide ample sunlight, water regularly but avoid soggy soil, and consider heat-tolerant varieties in hot climates.
- Growing cucumbers vertically on trellises saves space and simplifies care, while companion planting with pollinator-friendly flowers and similar crops boosts productivity.
In a pageant of summer vegetables, cucumbers would likely win for congeniality. Sure, tomatoes often take center stage (even as a fruit), and corn is a mainstay of outdoor barbecues, but cucumbers tend to get along with a range of ingredients and a spectrum of palettes. And as it turns out, these vegetables (which—fun fact—are also fruits) are just as amiable in a garden as they are on a plate.
If you’re ready to make this friendly produce part of your garden, there’s no time like the present. Here, gardening experts share their best tips for when to plant cucumbers and how to ensure a high-quality harvest.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Cucumbers?
“Cucumbers are beginner-friendly and easy to grow as long as you have the right conditions for them,” Becky Searle, author of organic gardening book Grow a New Garden. Given that cucumbers do best when the forecast is full of blue-sky days, planting them in the spring and summer will ensure that you’ll have fresh slices while eating outside is still possible.
Because cucumbers are sensitive to the cold, planting too early can expose them to frost damage or slow growth in cool soil. For most regions, the safest time to sow cucumber seeds outdoors is about 2 to 4 weeks after your last expected frost date, when soil temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. “Cucumber seeds sprout quickly in warm soil,” confirms Angela Judd, certified master gardener, author of How to Grow Your Own Food, and founder of Growing in the Garden.
If you’re starting from seed indoors, you can begin about 3 weeks before your region’s final frost, then transplant the seedlings once the weather is reliably warm, both during the day and at night. Cucumbers grow best when nighttime temperatures stay above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and they really thrive in the heat of summer. To get the timing right, look up the average last frost date in your area and monitor the forecast to avoid any late cold snaps.
While cucumbers might feel like a quintessential summer vegetable, the best time to plant them comes earlier in the season, ideally when spring has fully taken hold. For most places, this means May.
Tips for Planting and Growing Cucumbers
Plant in a Sunny Spot
Cucumbers are happiest when they can bask in the sun, and like all fruiting plants, Judd notes that they need about 6 to 8 hours of rays per day. “Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal,” she suggests. But seeing as the heat of the sun can also be damaging if it’s too intense, you’ll also want to pay attention to the type of cucumber that will thrive in your yard’s specific climate.
“If you live in a hot summer climate or struggle with bitter cucumbers, try growing Armenian cucumbers instead,” Judd continues. “They’ve been the most reliable choice for me here in Arizona, where spring warms up fast and regular cucumbers often turn bitter. My favorite variety is ‘Painted Serpent’— it’s delicious.” Once your spot is chosen, make sure that your soil is enriched with an organic matter like compost.
Water Your Seeds Well (Really Well!)
It should come as no surprise that cucumbers require a lot of water, since they’re usually so hydrated when cut into slices. Keep this in mind as you’re trying to get your seeds to sprout. “Lots of water will help them swell and become nice and sweet,” Searle says. “However, they won’t enjoy soil that is too wet. If you spot signs of yellowing leaves, or your plant is dropping leaves, this is likely a sign that the soil is too wet.”
To make sure that your cucumbers aren’t being oversaturated, Searle says to stick your finger into the soil to feel if it’s damp beneath the surface. If it’s dry, use your watering can. If it’s still wet, then skip watering for a day.
“If your cucumber isn’t getting enough water, it will quickly wilt, with the leaves drooping dramatically,” Searle adds. “Give it a nice big drink and it’ll soon be back to its usual vigor.” After you water your plant, be sure to check that the soil is draining properly, too. If water gets trapped in the soil, then your roots will rot. “A thick layer of mulch helps keep moisture levels more even,” Judd adds.
To make sure that your cucumbers aren’t being overwatered, stick your finger into the soil to feel if it’s damp beneath the surface. If it’s dry, use your watering can. If it’s still wet, then skip watering for a day.
Give Cucumbers Somewhere to Climb
Unlike other produce in your garden that can grow directly in soil, cucumbers do best when they have something to hold on to. “Providing a trellis for cucumbers to climb keeps them up off the soil and makes spotting pests and harvesting easier,” Judd says. “Growing cucumbers vertically also allows them to grow and sprawl without taking up valuable bed space.”
If you don’t have a trellis, Searle says that an arch or bean poles can work as substitutes. “Keep tucking them in, or winding them around as they grow,” she says. It might be worthwhile to place your trellis near a dining table or kitchen window, if possible. That way, when the cucumbers really take off, you can pick them directly off the vine and onto your plate.
Surround Cucumbers with Companion Plants
While no one would blame you if you focused primarily on growing cucumbers in your garden, they actually do best when surrounded by others.
“Cucumbers have small yellow flowers that need to be pollinated for the fruits to develop,” Searle says. “So if you want to have better success with your cucumbers, it’s a good idea to plant some flowers near your cucumbers to attract pollinators.” She suggests planting marigolds and nasturtiums at the base of your trellises, but says there’s a slight catch. “Nasturtiums are invasive in some areas, though, so please check before you plant!”
For her part, Judd would add zinnias as potential helpers, since they like the same temperatures and soil. “Sunflowers planted near the beds can offer a trellis for cucumbers to climb,” she adds. “And bush beans have similar growing requirements and can take up the space below trellised cucumbers.” The more the merrier for your summer feasts!
