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Entire healthy mature cucumber plant in a real garden bed, showing growth habit and scale.Primary identification image. 150–200 cm tall, 60–90 cm wide at maturity.

Cucumber

Cucumis sativus L.

Also called: Gherkin (pickling types)

Family
Cucurbitaceae
Season
Warm-season annual
Best grown in
Portland, Oregon

A fast, thirsty vining crop for warm soil; trellising saves space, keeps fruit straight and improves airflow.

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Life cycle & growth stages

  1. 1. SeedSow 2 cm deep in warm soil, or indoors in pots 3–4 weeks before planting out.
  2. 2. SeedlingLarge cotyledons in 3–10 days.
  3. 3. TransplantSet out after frost when soil is warm; protect from beetles.
  4. 4. FloweringMale flowers first, then female flowers with a tiny fruit behind.
  5. 5. Developing fruitFruit sizes in 7–10 days after pollination.
  6. 6. Harvest readyFirm, dark, full length for type.
  7. 7. HarvestCut the stem; pick every 1–2 days.

Growth stages are ordered chronologically; timing varies with cultivar, temperature, light and care.

Planting calendar for Portland, Oregon

Start indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost; transplant 1–3 weeks after last frost; direct sow 1–4 weeks after last frost; 50–70 days to maturity from sowing. Windows are derived from the region's average frost dates (last Apr 5, first Nov 5) and are estimates until you confirm your own dates in the calendar.

CucumberCucumis sativus
PlantStart indoorsDirect sowAutumn sowTransplantTendHarvest
CucumberMar 8–Mar 15 (estimate)Apr 12–May 3 (estimate)—Apr 12–Apr 26 (estimate)May 3–Jun 1 (estimate)Jun 1–Aug 23 (estimate)
  • Start seeds indoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15
  • Transplant outdoors: Apr 12 – Apr 26
  • Direct sow: Apr 12 – May 3
  • Tend and monitor: May 3 – Jun 1
  • Harvest: Jun 1 – Aug 23

Spacing & support

In-row 30–45 cm; rows 90–120 cm. Planner footprint: 2 cells of 30 cm.

Side-profile diagram of mature cucumber: canopy 150–200 cm tall, 60–90 cm wide, medium root zone, support and harvest-access envelope.

Soil & water

Soil
Rich, warm, well-drained soil
pH
6–7
Fertility
high
Water
Deep, frequent watering; mulch heavily.
Frost
tender; killed by frost

Support & training

Trellis, netting or cage. Install at planting so roots are not disturbed later.

Cucumber trained on its support: trellis, netting or cage.

Harvest signs

  • Slicing types 15–20 cm, dark green, firm
  • Pickling types 5–10 cm
  • Pick before yellowing; frequent picking keeps vines producing
Cucumber at harvest readiness, showing the visual cues: slicing types 15–20 cm, dark green, firm; pickling types 5–10 cm.

Common problems

Pests: striped cucumber beetle, spotted cucumber beetle, aphids, spider mites

Diseases: powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew

Appearance alone is not a diagnosis; confirm with a regional extension guide.

Side-by-side: healthy cucumber leaf or fruit and an example of powdery mildew.

Container growing

  • Minimum 20 L (35 cm deep)
  • Use quality potting mix and water more frequently
  • Bush cultivars or a trellised vine in a 20 L pot.
Mature cucumber in a correctly sized container (20 L or more) with drainage visible.

Companion overview

10 reviewed relationship records (evidence: low).

Supported or conditional

Buckwheat, Winter squash

Avoid or separate

None with evidence

Traditional claims only: Nasturtium, Oregano, Potato, Radish, Sunflower.

3 popular pairings reviewed with no verified relationship.

Full companion profile

Crop rotation

Avoid planting cucumber or other squash family crops in the same spot for 2 years. Rotation is about previous seasons, not about live neighbours.

Year 1Year 2Year 3CucurbitaceaeOther familyOther familyback after 2+ years

Shared risks in Cucurbitaceae: powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, striped and spotted cucumber beetles.

Crop rotation hub

Sources, reviewer & update

Sources

Reviewer: Garden Planner editorial team (pending independent horticultural review)

Last reviewed: August 15, 2026 · version 1

Found an error or have feedback? Let us know.

Growing cucumber

Cucumbers are sown or transplanted only after the soil is warm (above 18 °C / 65 °F); cold, wet soil rots the seed. Plants grow quickly, fruiting 50–70 days from sowing and continuing as long as fruit is picked.

Cucumber seed beside a ruler or coin for scale.
Cucumber seedling at cotyledon and first-true-leaf stage, in soil, distinguishable from common weeds.
Immature fruit of cucumber developing on the plant.

Trained up a trellis or cage, a cucumber occupies a 30–45 cm footprint instead of a square metre, and the fruit hangs straight. Cucumbers need constant water; drought produces bitter, misshapen fruit.

Two or more mature cucumber plants with a tape measure showing in-row spacing (30–45 cm).
Cucumber flowers: male and female flowers side by side.
Immature fruit of cucumber developing on the plant.

Striped and spotted cucumber beetles chew seedlings and spread bacterial wilt, which kills vines suddenly. Row cover until flowering and a perimeter trap crop of Blue Hubbard squash are the two documented non-chemical strategies. Powdery mildew arrives in late summer; resistant cultivars and spacing delay it.

Edible parts and safety

Edible: fruit.

Hands or tool harvesting cucumber correctly (cut, pull, twist or pick) without damaging the plant.

Pests and diseases

Common pests: striped cucumber beetle, spotted cucumber beetle, aphids, spider mites. Common diseases: powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, downy mildew. These vary by region; a photograph is an example, not a diagnosis. See the pest and disease guides and your local extension service.

striped cucumber beetle on cucumber, with a wider damage-context view.

Timeline

Season timeline for cucumber: sowing, transplanting, flowering, harvest and bed occupancy aligned to frost dates.Text alternative: Start seeds indoors Mar 8–Mar 15; Transplant outdoors Apr 12–Apr 26; Direct sow Apr 12–May 3; Tend and monitor May 3–Jun 1; Harvest Jun 1–Aug 23.

Related plants

See also: Cucurbitaceae family page · crop rotation · regional calendar · guides

Our Methodology & Sources

We synthesize peer-reviewed research, university extension publications, and trusted horticulture resources. Our evidence levels help you understand how strong the science is behind the guidance.

Evidence tiers

Supported evidenceConsistent results from multiple robust studies
Traditional claimHistorical use reported, limited scientific support
Context dependentMixed or variable results across conditions
No verified relationshipNo reliable evidence identified

Primary source types

  • Peer-reviewed journal articles
  • University extension publications
  • Government & research institute reports
  • Systematic reviews & meta-analyses

Last updated

August 24, 2026

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