7082 Cucumber Growing Guide

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Cucumis sativus

DAYS TO MATURITY

58 days

FIELD NOTES

• Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained soils with an optimal pH of 6.8-7.2. Cucumbers are sensitive to cold. Irrigate consistently to sidestep bitterness in fruit.
• Support required: Productive in high tunnels or open field. Provide trellising or other support.
• Row Covers: Use to deter insect pests and protect from cold nights.
• Parthenocarpic and gynoecious.

SPACING FOR SEEDING/TRANSPLANTING

• Plant Spacing: 12-18”
• Row Spacing: 7’

DIRECT SEEDING

• Sow seeds ¼”-½” deep after last frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 70˚F.
• 3-10 days to emergence.

TRANSPLANTING

• Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Sow seeds ¼-½” deep. Optimal temperature for germination is 80-90˚F. Maintain above 60˚F at night.
• Harden off gradually, protecting seedlings from wind, strong sun, hard rain and cold.
• Transplant outdoors after last frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 70˚F. Do not disturb roots when transplanting.  

PEST + DISEASE INFO

• Diseases: Resistant to Powdery Mildew, Alternaria (demonstrated). Use best management practices such as crop rotation, removal of post-harvest crop debris and insect pest control to prevent common cucumber diseases.
• Insect Pests: Cucumber beetles: use row covers following transplanting to protect young plants or plant Blue Hubbard as trap crop.

HARVEST

Harvest 5-6” green slicers daily.

STORAGE

Cucumbers will hold at 45-50˚F and 90% relative humidity for up to two weeks maintaining flavor and crispness.

SEED SPECS

1,000 seeds/ounce; 16,000 seeds/pound.