Cucumber Growing Guide
Cucumbers are a delicious addition to any salad, thanks to their crisp and refreshing texture. Growing them yourself can be hugely satisfying and there are plenty of varieties to choose from.
Introduction
Cucumbers are a delicious addition to any salad, thanks to their crisp and refreshing texture. Growing them yourself can be hugely satisfying, and there are plenty of varieties to choose from.
Knowing how to grow cucumbers requires strategy, but both experienced and beginner gardeners can enjoy the fulfilment of eating one they've grown from scratch. Here's everything you need to know about growing cucumbers successfully.
When is the best time to grow a cucumber?
The timing depends on the variety and whether you start from seed or a young plant. Seeds for indoor and outdoor cucumbers can be sown in early spring, giving them the summer months to grow. Smaller varieties mature faster than larger ones. Young cucumber plants can be planted in spring or early summer.
What cucumber varieties are available?
With over 100 varieties, you can choose based on growing environment, size, and purpose:
- Indoor varieties: Bella and Bush Pickle, ideal for polytunnels.
- Outdoor varieties (ridge cucumbers): Marketmore and La Diva, tolerant to lower temperatures and disease-resistant.
- Size options: Large cucumbers for slicing or small snack-size varieties perfect for pickling or snacking.
How to grow cucumbers from seed
Understanding germination is key. Steps include:
- Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep in small pots filled with peat-free compost.
- Place pots in a polytunnel, sunny outdoor spot, or indoor location. Maintain a temperature of at least 20ºC.
- After 10 days, remove the weakest seedlings.
- If growing outdoors, acclimatise seedlings before transplanting into the garden or larger pots.
- Ensure warmth, water regularly, and feed with high-potash fertiliser once flowering begins.
Can you grow cucumbers from a plant?
Young established cucumber plants with a couple of leaves can be planted directly into the garden or polytunnel. For outdoor planting, acclimatise for about a week before late May/early June, ensuring sunny, compost-enriched soil. Consider support like bamboo canes for the vines.
How to grow cucumbers in a pot
Smaller, compact varieties are ideal for pots or containers. Ensure pots have drainage holes and a depth of at least 1 foot for a successful harvest.
How long do cucumbers take to grow?
In heated polytunnels, sow seeds in late winter/early spring. Unheated polytunnels: late March–April. Outdoor cucumbers: late May–June. Harvest runs from early June to late October, when fruits are firm and dark-skinned.
How to care for growing cucumbers
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist.
- Avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
- Mulch surrounding soil to retain moisture.
- Remove weeds around the plants.
- Pinch off excess foliage and side shoots.
- If in a polytunnel, dampen to maintain higher humidity.
Start growing cucumbers with help from Premier Polytunnels
Whatever cucumbers you choose, our sturdy polytunnels and cloches make growing easy and support a successful harvest. For more advice, contact our team at 01282 811250 or info@premierpolytunnels.co.uk.
