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?
Knowing when to start depends on the variety you're growing and whether you're starting from seed or plant.
Seeds for both indoor and outdoor cucumbers can be sown in early spring, allowing them to grow during the summer months. Smaller varieties will be ready for harvest sooner than larger varieties. If you decide to buy young cucumber plants, these can be planted in spring or early summer.
What cucumber varieties are available?
With over 100 cucumber varieties available, you can select the best type based on several factors.
This includes indoor varieties, such as Bella and Bush Pickle cucumbers, which thrive in
polytunnels. Outdoor varieties are also known as 'ridge' cucumbers – these can be grown outside, as they're capable of withstanding lower temperatures and are more resistant to disease. Examples include Marketmore and La Diva varieties.
You can also decide based on size, choosing from larger shapes and snack-size cucumbers that are perfect for pickling or snacking on.
How to grow a cucumber from seed?
Much of knowing how to grow cucumber plants from seed largely depends on understanding the germination process.
How to sow cucumber seeds
Gather small pots and compost to sow your seeds. For the best results, use peat-free compost, which is more sustainable and richer in nutrients. Place the seeds one to two centimetres deep, positioning them on their sides or vertically.
Place the pots in a polytunnel or a sunny outdoor spot, covering them with
cloches or a fleece if needed. Alternatively, keep them in a sunny indoor location. Temperatures should reach at least 20ºC for successful germination. After around 10 days, remove the weakest seedling.
At this stage, if you plan to grow them outdoors, move them outside to acclimatise or transplant them into a larger pot or polytunnel bed. Wherever you grow your cucumbers, they'll need plenty of warmth since they're a subtropical crop. Make sure you water them regularly. Once they start to flower, switch to weekly high-potash fertiliser until it's time to harvest.
Can you grow a cucumber from a plant?
This involves buying a young and established cucumber plant. They typically have a couple of leaves by this point. You can plant these directly in your garden, skipping the seed germination stage. Knowing how to plant cucumber from a plant, rather than seeds is a good option if you're a less confident gardener or want a quicker harvest.
If you're growing them in a polytunnel, plant them directly into its borders, ensuring the soil contains plenty of compost. Alternatively, grow them in bags or containers.
For outdoor planting, acclimatise the plants for about a week, waiting until at least June, when conditions are warm enough. Choose a sunny spot with compost-enriched soil and consider using a support like a bamboo cane.
How to grow cucumber in a pot
The amount of cucumber varieties means you can grow smaller sizes in a pot or container. This opens up the possibility of growing cucumbers with limited outdoor space. Look for varieties with 'compact' or 'bush' in the name so you choose one with suitable-length vines.
Make sure the pots have holes in the bottom for drainage. Ideally, choose designs with a depth of a foot or more for a successful harvest.
How long do cucumbers take to grow?
If you have a heated polytunnel, you can sow the seeds in late winter or early spring, while an unheated polytunnel means you should sow from late March or April. Outdoor cucumbers should be sown in late May or June and should be covered with a cloche or fleece to keep the soil warm.
So, when is the best time to harvest a cucumber? The harvesting period runs from the start of June to the end of October. Wait until they've grown to the right size and have dark, firm skin.
How to care for growing cucumbers
- Water the plants regularly so the soil always stays moist.
- When watering, avoid getting the leaves wet to discourage fungal diseases.
- Mulch the surrounding soil will help to maintain moisture.
- Remove weeds around the growing area.
- Pinch off excess foliage and side shoots.
- If growing in a polytunnel, damp it down to maintain higher humidity levels.
Start growing cucumbers with help from Premier Polytunnels
Whatever kind of cucumbers you decide to grow, our sturdy selection of
polytunnels and
cloches will help you on your way to a successful harvest.
To find out more about how our high-quality equipment can help you in your gardening endeavours, contact our team of experts by calling 01282 811250 or emailing
info@premierpolytunnels.co.uk.