Cucumber

Cucumis sativus · Vegetable

A fast summer vine that loves warmth and steady water. Grown up a trellis it saves space and gives straighter, cleaner fruit. Picking often keeps the plant producing for weeks.

💧WaterEvery 1–2 days in hot weather; keep evenly moist (estimated)

☀️LightFull sun, 6–8 hours

🐾PetsNon-toxic

Care at a glance

Light: Full sun, 6–8 hours a day
Water: About 1 in per week, more in heat; keep evenly moist
Soil: Rich, well-drained, pH 6.0–7.0
Temperature: Best 70–90 °F; damaged below 50 °F
Spacing: 12 in apart on a trellis, 36 in if sprawling
Container: At least 5 gallons, 12 in deep, with support
Harvest: 50–70 days from sowing (estimated)
Lifespan: Annual

When?

Sow directly outside 1–2 weeks after your last frost, once the soil is above 65 °F. Or start indoors 3–4 weeks earlier in biodegradable pots, since roots dislike disturbance.

Step by step

Work compost into the bed and set up a trellis before sowing.
Sow seeds 1/2–1 in deep, 2–3 per spot, and thin to the strongest.
Water at the base in the morning to keep leaves dry.
Mulch to hold moisture and keep fruit off the soil.
Guide young vines onto the trellis; they cling by tendrils.
Feed every 3–4 weeks with balanced fertilizer once vines run.
Harvest while fruit is firm and green; check every 1–2 days.

Common problems

Bitter fruitHeat or drought stress; water more evenly and mulch.

White powder on leavesPowdery mildew; improve airflow, remove affected leaves, choose resistant types.

Flowers but no fruitPoor pollination; wait for female flowers and encourage bees.

Wilting despite moist soilPossible wilt disease spread by beetles; remove the plant and control beetles.

Pets

Cucumber is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Similar plants

Zucchini Tomato Dill

Sources

ASPCA — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.