Cucumbers are relatively easy to grow from seed and there are many varieties to choose from. Some varieties ripen faster than others, so check the seed package or the information that comes with the plant. The following content also has some reference value for raised garden beds.
Most varieties of cucumbers are ready to be harvested within 50-70 days of sowing. Choosing varieties with different harvest dates means you can enjoy a longer season. Most people grow cucumbers in small mounds of dirt, or in containers. Vines need enough space to grow. You can also plant next to a fence or trellis and let the vines climb straight up: this method works best for small varieties such as' Regal ', 'Sweet Success', 'ASHLEY', 'Space Master' and 'Gherkin' (these varieties have small fruits and are often served with roast platters).
No matter which variety you decide to plant, you can consult our planting guide for tips on watering, soil, fertilizing, and identifying pests and diseases.
Step 1: seedling emergence
If your cucumber seeds germinate normally, you will see seedlings within 3 to 10 days. Within a day or two of breaking through the soil, tiny leaves will begin to form - these are cotyledon, or "seed leaves." Once your seedlings have developed at least two sets of "real" leaves about 4 inches tall, thin the seedlings if they are too close together before planting them separately.
Step 2: The leaves and vines grow larger
Within a few weeks, your plant will grow larger and more vines will form. The leaves will grow larger and take on a distinctive shape with jagged edges. This is also when the vines of your cucumber plants may start snaking around where they were planted, or raising vines on their stakes or trellises, depending on their location.
You can gently place the vine next to the trellis so that the plant catches the vine and continues to grow upward. At this stage, watering near the roots is better than watering from the roots.
Step 3: The bud appears
Depending on the type of cucumber you grow, there will be male flowers, followed by female flowers a few weeks later, and these will require pollinators to bear fruit. Or, they may be self-pollinating plants, known as parthenogenetic plant varieties. Check your seeds to determine what type of cucumber you have.
Either way, as soon as the bright yellow flowers appear, you know cucumbers are coming soon. This is the growing stage, and you may need to use a little fertilizer to keep your plants growing steadily. Cucumbers are heavy eaters, so fertilization is recommended to help them grow.
If you grow cucumbers with both male and female flowers, don't panic if the first flowering doesn't bear fruit, because this is a male flower. In the next round of flowering, you will have male and female flowers, which will lead to cucumbers.
Step 4: Form the gherkins
This is probably the most exciting stage of cucumber growth. Once the female flower opens, you will see a small cucumber at the base of the flower. Once pollinated, these gherkins will soon grow large enough to be harvested and enjoyed.
At this stage of growth, regular watering is very important. Pay attention to watering, especially when the weather becomes very hot and dry. The soil should be moist, but not wet. In hot weather, water once a day, but otherwise every other day should be fine. Cucumbers grow quickly at this stage and can be harvested within a few days.
Stage 5: Ripe cucumbers are ready to be harvested
The day has come when cucumbers can be harvested. This is usually within 8 to 10 days after the small fruit first emerges from the flower; They are a deep sweet green and you can smell them fresh and juicy.
Look at information on specific breeds to see how big they should be when they mature. Don't harvest all the cucumbers at once unless you plan to use them, and keep in mind that the cucumbers on your plants may ripen at slightly different times.
Pick the ones that mature, let the rest mature, and then put on the right clothes. Harvesting cucumbers regularly encourages the formation of new buds, so you can have cucumbers throughout the growing season. Don't leave them on the vine for too long: if they are too large, they may taste bland. You can also refer to this guide to determine when cucumbers are ready to harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a cucumber plant to bear fruit?
It depends on the breed. If grown from seed, most cucumbers will be ready for harvest in 50 to 70 days.
How long does it take for cucumbers to grow after flowering?
Usually, once the flowers form, the gherkins follow. Water regularly, and your cucumbers may be ready to harvest in 8 to 10 days.
How long does a cucumber live?
From planting to harvesting, the growth cycle is between 50-70 days depending on the variety. Once you start harvesting cucumbers, new flowers will form and extend this life cycle by several weeks.
