Species cucumber
lime-green fruits, leaves, yellow flower, and green stems

cucumber

Cucumis sativus

Also Known As - European cucumber
Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are an amazing plant that provides many health benefits to humans. They are low in calories, high in water content, and contain essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins K, C, and B6. Cucumbers have also been used as a natural medicine for centuries, offering a variety of healing and energizing benefits. They are full of antioxidants to help reduce inflammation, neutralize free radicals, and protect from certain chronic diseases. Cucumbers are a great addition to salads, smoothies, dips, and juices, and can even be eaten raw or pickled. For a nutritious and refreshing snack, cucumbers are a great choice!

Cycle:

Annual

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 11

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

green,white Fruits In Summer Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) require an even amount of water throughout the growing season. The best way to water cucumber plants is to provide a thorough and deep watering once a week. During hot and dry weather, you may need to water your cucumber plants more often to keep the soil moist. Your cucumber plants will need to be watered more during fruiting season as cucumbers require a lot of water. Make sure you water your cucumbers earlier in the day so that the leaves can dry before evening.

sunlight

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) generally requires 6-10 hours of full sunlight each day in order to thrive. Direct sunlight for the majority of the day is ideal but make sure to allow the plants some respite in the afternoons, either in the form of partial-shade or shade. It is important to note that cucumbers are vulnerable to sun scorch and sunburn if the plant is not acclimated to the sunlight.

pruning

Pruning cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus) should be done at least once during their growing season. The best time for pruning is when they become mature, after the first flush of new growth has begun to appear. Pruning should occur in the early morning when the leaves are dry and the plant is not in a state of active growth. The amount of pruning to be done will depend on the size of the cucumber plant and the vigor of its growth. For young plants, pruning is not needed to shape the canopy, as the plant is still forming foliage. Generally, mature cucumber plants should be pruned every 2-3 weeks, taking out old, worn out foliage as well as side stems and stalks that may be crossing each other or competing for space. To maximize fruit yields, pruning should occur no more than half way up the vine, as this will maximize light and air circulation to the fruits.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Cucumis sativus (cucumber) typically begins in June and ends in September.

Starts Flowering

Cucumis sativus typically starts flowering in June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Cucumis sativus (cucumber) typically begins in June and ends in September.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Are cucumbers considered as a fruit or a vegetable?

Cucumbers are a type of fruit usually classified as a vegetable. Although technically a fruit, cucumbers are classified as a vegetable in the culinary world, as they typically have little to no sweetness and are usually eaten as part of a savory dish.

Do cucumbers provide an amount of vitamins and minerals?

Yes, cucumbers are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin C and K, which are important for healthy bones and skin. They also provide potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Additionally, they are a great source of antioxidants, which can help to fight off free radical damage, and may even help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancers.

Is it necessary to peel cucumbers before consuming them?

No, it is not necessary to peel cucumbers before consuming them. However, doing so may help to remove any bitterness found in the skin of the cucumber. Additionally, if the cucumber has a wax coating, it should be peeled to ensure it is safe for consumption. Cucumbers are also great for juicing without peeling as they provide a great flavor and benefits.

Do cucumbers need support like trellising for growth?

Yes, cucumbers need to be supported with trellising for proper growth. This helps to keep the cucumbers off the ground and allows air to circulate around the growing cucumbers. Keeping the cucumbers off the ground also reduces the chances of them being exposed to diseases or pests. Additionally, the trellis can help to support the weight of the cucumbers as they grow, keeping them from breaking off. All in all, trellising is an important step in cucumber cultivation.

Is it possible to cultivate cucumber plants indoors?

Yes, it is possible to cultivate cucumber plants indoors. With the right equipment and conditions, it is possible to bring in sunshine or use artificial lighting to help the cucumber plants grow and thrive. Additionally, ample water and ventilation can be provided to make sure the environment doesn't become too hot and humid. With regular pruning and tending, it's possible to keep the plants healthy and plentiful even indoors.

Can cucumbers grow in a garden area?

Yes, cucumbers can be grown in a garden area. They are easy to grow as long as they are provided with the right amount of sunshine, moisture, and fertile soil with adequate drainage. Cucumbers prefer the heat, so it's best to plant them after the last frost of spring has passed and the soils have warmed. They are a relatively low maintenance crop and need to be watered regularly throughout the growing season. Additionally, cucumbers can be planted in raised beds to improve drainage and reduce weed growth.

Is cucumber flowering seasonal?

Yes, cucumbers are seasonal flowering plants. They prefer a warm climate and are usually planted during the summer months. As a warm-weather crop, cucumbers need to be planted in fertile soil and have access to plenty of moisture. They require full sun for most of the day and will even need to be covered with fabric or plastic sheets during the coldest nights. Cucumbers can be harvested in as little as 55 days after planting, but they are usually given 70-90 days to mature before harvesting.

Do cucumber plants self-pollinate?

Cucumber plants are a type of plant that can self-pollinate, meaning that they are able to produce seeds without relying on another plant to cross-pollinate with them. However, in order for the cucumber plant to produce the best fruit, it is recommended that the flowers still be manually pollinated to ensure a larger and better quality yield. Self-pollination provides another benefit compared to cross-pollination, in that it can produce more resistant varieties of cucumbers due to the individual plant’s DNA being reproduced over and over.