When to Plant Cucumbers?

When to plant cucumbers? Time for crispy freshness!

Cucumbers are the quintessential summer vegetable: deliciously fresh, juicy, and even tastier straight from your own garden. But if you want to grow your own cucumbers, one question is crucial: when to plant them? In this blog post, we'll take you through the process – from the right timing to handy tips for both open ground and greenhouse cultivation.

The ideal timing for planting cucumbers

Cucumbers are true warmth-lovers, so it's best to wait until the temperatures rise. Outdoors, in the ground, it's best to start between mid-May and early June, after the risk of night frost has completely passed. In a greenhouse, you can get started a little earlier, usually from early April if the daytime temperature remains high enough.

Prefer to sow your own seeds? Then you can start sowing indoors or in a heated greenhouse as early as March. Then you can put the pre-sown seedlings outside in May or in your greenhouse at the end of April. Note: they're delicate, so don't plant them on a cold or rainy day. Prefer a dry, cloudy day for transplanting? Perfect.

Planting cucumbers in open ground: here's how

Do you have a spot in your vegetable garden? Then make sure it's in a sunny location, sheltered from the wind. Cucumbers prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Before you start, improve your soil with compost or a layer of potting soil, such as our specially formulated potting soil mix .

Plant the young cucumber plants well-spaced—at least 50 cm apart—so they have enough room to grow. A trellis or mesh structure will help provide support. Water immediately after planting, but avoid standing water on the leaves. This reduces the risk of mold.

Planting cucumbers in a greenhouse or conservatory

In a greenhouse, you can be a little more ambitious. Planting starts at the end of April, as long as the daytime temperature is consistently above 20°C. Make sure the greenhouse is well-ventilated on hot days – cucumbers thrive in the heat, but suffocation is a no-go.

Here too, provide plenty of space and a sturdy climbing structure for support. Water regularly at the base of the plant and maintain consistent humidity. You can create extra humidity with a handy plant sprayer , especially on hot summer days.

What types of cucumbers are there?

Not every cucumber plant is the same. There are shorter snack cucumbers, ideal for smaller greenhouses or pots, and the longer "snake cucumbers" you often see in supermarkets. Some are specifically developed for greenhouse cultivation, while others thrive outdoors. Want to experiment? Combine different varieties!

Don't forget to check out our other edible favorites, like Coffea Arabica for home-grown coffee or Musa Tropicana as a tropical decorative alternative to banana.

Care and maintenance of your cucumber plants

Water is key. Cucumbers are largely made up of water, so they like to drink plenty. Water the plant regularly and generously—preferably in the morning rather than evening to prevent disease. During hot weeks, daily watering is essential.

Nutrition is also important. Give it an extra dose of liquid plant food every two weeks or use slow-release fertilizers. You can also mix some perlite into the soil to optimize drainage and nutrient absorption.

Common problems and their solutions

Curling leaves? This could indicate a lack of water or a pest like spider mites. Yellowing leaves at the base is often simply a sign of old age, but they only spread if your plant is lacking nutrients. Check regularly for aphids or other unwanted guests, and use our Jungle Mist spray to tackle them naturally.

Do you see flowers without fruiting? Think pollination. In the open ground, insects take care of their work, but in a greenhouse, you can play matchmaker with a paintbrush. Or attract bees and bumblebees by planting plants blooming at the same time, such as Spathiphyllum Cupido , nearby.

Can cucumbers be grown in pots?

Absolutely! If you don't have a garden, simply plant cucumbers in a large pot on your balcony or patio. Make sure you have a pot with at least 25 liters of capacity, fill it with nutritious and airy potting soil, and give your plant enough support to climb. Remember to water daily on hot days. And feel free to place your pot in a beautiful decorative pot from our range for added flair.

And then... harvest!

Depending on the variety and location, you can harvest your first cucumbers between July and September. Pick them when they're about 15 to 20 cm long (or smaller for snack cucumbers), that's when they're at their most flavorful. If you leave them hanging too long, they'll become bitter and full of seeds. So, better to harvest sooner than later.

With a little luck, care, and sunlight, you can enjoy a continuous harvest during the summer months. And believe us: nothing tastes better than a cucumber from your own garden.

Other vegetables to combine with

Want to expand your vegetable garden? Cucumbers thrive alongside other heat-loving vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, or tomatoes. Find out when to plant them with our guide on bell peppers and eggplant .

Tip: Avoid planting cucumbers too close to potatoes or melons – they don't like each other's company. And definitely don't give them a spot with a lot of shade. Cucumbers are sun worshippers through and through.

Need help with your vegetable garden plans?

Whether you're a balcony gardener or a budding greenhouse gardener, at De Plantrekkers we'll help you step by step. Browse our growing kits or discover more vegetable planting tips, such as when to plant potatoes or when to plant pumpkins .

Have fun planting and a delicious summer harvest guaranteed!