Getting Started

Start Seeds Inside:
Starting cucumber seeds indoors allows for an earlier start to the growing season, especially in cooler parts of Florida. Strong transplants can go into the garden once the soil has warmed, giving you a head start on flowering and fruiting.

Direct Seed:
Direct seeding cucumbers when the soil has warmed ensures quick germination and reduces the risk of transplant shock. This is a great option in Central and South Florida where soil temperatures warm quickly in spring and fall.

Transplant Starter Plants:
Transplanting cucumber starter plants provides a head start on the growing season and helps avoid cool soil that can slow or prevent germination. Use sturdy, not root-bound transplants for best results.

There are two main types of cucumbers: slicers and picklers. Pickling types can also be eaten fresh. Some modern hybrids are “burpless” and many are gynoecious (mostly female flowers), which increases yields. Bees and other pollinators are essential for good fruit set in most varieties.

Soil, Sun, Water, and Spacing

Soil:
Cucumbers prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend planting areas with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure. Avoid low spots where water stands after heavy rain.

Sun:
Full sun is essential for optimal growth and fruit production. Aim for at least 6–8 hours of direct sun per day. In very hot weather, a bit of afternoon shade can reduce stress but too much shade will reduce yields.

Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cucumbers have shallow roots and can suffer quickly in dry soil. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Spacing:
Plant cucumber seeds about 1 inch deep and space them 6–12 inches apart. Space rows 3–4 feet apart, or use trellises and vertical supports to save space and improve air circulation. Trellised plants stay cleaner and are easier to harvest.

Fertilization, Care, and Common Problems

Fertilization (N–P–K Ratio):
Cucumbers benefit from a balanced fertilizer with slightly higher nitrogen to support leafy growth and fruiting, such as 20-10-10 or 15-10-10, along with plenty of organic matter.

When to Add:
Before Planting: Work a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting seeds or transplants to promote strong initial growth.
Mid-Growing Season: Reapply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to support continued vine growth and steady fruit production.

Application Tips:

• Always follow the directions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization and burning roots.
• Apply fertilizer evenly around the base of the plants and water thoroughly to help nutrients reach the root zone.
• Combine fertilizer with compost or organic mulches to feed soil life and improve long-term fertility.

Additional Tips:

• Cucumbers grow best in soil rich in organic matter—add compost each season to keep the bed productive.
• Mulch to help retain moisture, reduce weeds, and keep fruits cleaner.
• Ensure consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting, to reduce bitterness and prevent stress.

Harvesting:
Cucumbers are typically ready to harvest 40–65 days after planting, depending on the variety. Pick them when they are firm and fully colored (green for most types, lemon-yellow for lemon cucumbers) but still tender. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stem rather than pulling, which can damage vines. Frequent picking encourages more fruit.

Pests and Diseases in Florida:

• Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from leaves and stems, causing curling and yellowing and possibly spreading disease.
• Cucumber Beetles: Chew on leaves, stems, and flowers and can transmit bacterial wilt.
• Spider Mites: Tiny mites that cause stippling and yellowing, often in hot, dry weather.
• Powdery Mildew: Fungal disease that creates a white, powdery coating on leaves, reducing vigor.
• Downy Mildew: Causes yellowing leaves with fuzzy grayish growth on the underside, leading to leaf collapse.
• Root-Knot Nematodes: Microscopic worms that create galls on roots and stunt plant growth.

Blog post on Natural Fertilizers

Natural Pest Control

Companion Plants and Plants to Avoid

Companion Plants:

Plants to Avoid Nearby: