When To Start Your Cucumbers
Sow directly outdoors 1-2 weeks after average last frost and when soil temperature is at least 60°F, best temperature 70°-90°F. If beginning indoors, sow 2-4 weeks before average last frost – not sooner. Cucumbers are sensitive to root disturbances. Sowing in Botanical Interests’ 3″ or 4″ biodegradable pots is ideal so that it can be directly planted in the ground, and transplanting while seedlings are small is recommended when starting indoors.
Cucumbers grow straighter and are easier to see when harvesting when grown on a trellis, and can be grown more closely (12″ vs. 4′), saving space.
Cucumbers are heat sensitive. Mid 90s temperatures or more for several days can prevent fruit set. Think about providing afternoon shade by using a shade cloth or taller crops if heat is a issue or try a heat-tolerant type such as, the Armenian Burpless and Poinsett 76.
Botanical Interests Cucumber Varieties
Dark green skin, compact, 2-3′ vines, best harvest by 8″, maturity 63 days.
Heirloom, rounded, pale-yellow fruits, non-bitter, fairly drought-tolerant, 3-6′ vines, best harvest 2-3½”, maturity 65 days.
Heirloom, dark green, burpless, non-bitter, thin-skinned, seedless if no other cucumbers are grown nearby, 8′ vines, best harvest 12-18″, maturity 60 days.
