SCIENTIFIC NAME:Cucumis sativus (unless otherwise indicated)
CULTURE:Requires warm, well-drained soil high in fertility, with a pH of 6–6.8. Consistent, adequate irrigation is needed to produce an abundant crop. Cucumbers are very sensitive to cold. Make sure both soil and air temperatures have warmed prior to planting. Using plastic mulch and row coverswill greatly enhance the vigor and potential yields of cucumbers by providing warmth and insect protection. For greenhouse or high tunnel production the use of and varieties is highly recommended.
DAYS TO MATURITY:From direct seeding; subtract about 10 days for days to maturity from transplanting.
TRANSPLANTING:Sow indoors in 50-cell plug trays, 1–2 seeds/cell, 3–4 weeks before transplanting. Keep temperature above 70°F (21°C) day and 60°F (16°C) night. Transplant 12" apart in rows 5–6' apart. Do not disturb roots when transplanting.
DIRECT SEEDING:Wait until soil is warm, at least 70°F (21°C). Cucumber seeds will not germinate at a soil temperature below 50°F (10°C). Sow 2 seeds/ft., 1/2" deep, in rows 6' apart. Thin to 12" apart.
AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE:30 seeds/15', 100 seeds/50', 250 seeds/125', 500 seeds/250', 1,000 seeds/500', 15M/acre at 2 seeds/ft. in rows 6' apart.
INSECT PESTS:Exclude cucumber beetles with row covers at planting, or control with insecticides such as pyrethrin or azadirachtin.
DISEASE:Practice crop rotation, residue sanitation, and choose disease-resistant varieties. Control insect pests to help prevent bacterial wilt.
HARVEST:Once fruit bearing begins, pick daily.
POST HARVEST:Hold cucumbers at 45–50°F (7–10°C) and 90% relative humidity for up to 2 weeks.
NOTE:If parthenocarpic cucumbers cross-pollinate with other cucumbers, they will yield seeded fruits. Generally, seedless types are grown separately in greenhouses or hoophouses with insect screens installed to prevent cross-pollination of seeded and seedless varieties.
