Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Also known as: cuke
Fast-growing warm-season vine for slicing or pickling. Trellis to save space and reduce disease.
Growing Requirements
Planting Schedule
Start Indoors
3–4 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow (Spring)
1–9 weeks after last frost
Transplant Outdoors
1–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
3–10 days
Days to Harvest
50–70 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zones 3–11
Very frost sensitive. Needs warm soil above 60°F to germinate.
Companion Plants
Good Companions (9)
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
Confidence: High
Marigold
Tagetes spp.
Deters cucumber beetles with strong scent
Confidence: Medium
Dill
Anethum graveolens
Attracts parasitic wasps that prey on cucumber pests
Confidence: Medium
Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Attracts pollinators and provides a windbreak
Confidence: Medium
Radish
Raphanus sativus
Trap crop for flea beetles; breaks soil crust
Confidence: Medium
Lettuce
Lactuca sativa
Low ground cover retains soil moisture for cucumbers
Confidence: Medium
Corn
Zea mays
Provides structure for vining cucumbers and windbreak
Confidence: Medium
Green Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Fixes nitrogen in soil benefiting heavy-feeding cucumbers
Confidence: Medium
Pole Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Beans fix nitrogen benefiting cucumbers
Confidence: Medium