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Cucumber Planting Guide

Cucumbers are a warm-season vine crop available in slicing and pickling varieties. They are prolific producers when given warmth, moisture, and a trellis to climb.

Cucumis sativus ยท Vegetable ยท Cucurbitaceae family ยท 50โ€“70 days to maturity

Where Can You Grow Cucumber?

Cucumber Growing Regions

Click any state to see the Cucumber planting schedule for that location.

Planting Dates by Zone

Zone Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest
Zone 3a Apr 3 May 29 Jun 5 Jul 31 โ€“ Sep 25
Zone 3b Mar 29 May 24 May 31 Jul 26 โ€“ Sep 20
Zone 4a Mar 25 May 20 May 27 Jul 22 โ€“ Sep 16
Zone 4b Mar 20 May 15 May 22 Jul 17 โ€“ Sep 11
Zone 5a Mar 21 May 2 May 9 Jul 4 โ€“ Aug 29
Zone 5b Mar 14 Apr 25 May 2 Jun 27 โ€“ Aug 22
Zone 6a Mar 6 Apr 17 Apr 24 Jun 19 โ€“ Aug 14
Zone 6b Feb 27 Apr 10 Apr 17 Jun 12 โ€“ Aug 7
Zone 7a Feb 25 Apr 1 Apr 8 Jun 3 โ€“ Jul 29
Zone 7b Feb 18 Mar 25 Apr 1 May 27 โ€“ Jul 22
Zone 8a Feb 8 Mar 15 Mar 22 May 17 โ€“ Jul 12
Zone 8b Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 6 โ€“ Jul 1
Zone 9a Jan 13 Feb 10 Feb 17 Apr 14 โ€“ Jun 9
Zone 9b Dec 28 Jan 25 Feb 1 Mar 29 โ€“ May 24
Zone 10a Dec 4 Jan 1 Jan 8 Mar 5 โ€“ Apr 30
Zone 10b Dec 4 Jan 1 Jan 8 Mar 5 โ€“ Apr 30
Zone 11a Dec 4 Jan 1 Jan 8 Mar 5 โ€“ Apr 30
Zone 11b Dec 4 Jan 1 Jan 8 Mar 5 โ€“ Apr 30

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

Hardiness Zones

Zone 3a โ€“ 11b

Growing Tips

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 3 weeks early. Provide a trellis for vining types to save space and improve air circulation. Harvest frequently to encourage production.

Saving Cucumber Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

๐ŸŒฑ
Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

๐Ÿงช
Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

๐Ÿท๏ธ
Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

Level Up Your Garden

Cucumber by State

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow Cucumber?

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) takes 50 to 70 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.

What zones can Cucumber grow in?

Cucumber can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.

How much sun does Cucumber need?

Growing Cucumber requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), High โ€” keep soil consistently moist, and soil pH of 6 to 7.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.