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When to Plant Cucumber in Graham County, AZ

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.

Graham County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.

At an elevation of 2,604 feet, Graham County receives approximately 8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, so Cucumber may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Cucumber will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cucumber successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Graham County, AZ (Zone 7b) Long season
213 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
213 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Graham County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7-8.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 14 Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (87 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Aug 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (91 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 2 Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Sep 3

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.2″/week
You supply
2.2″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 4,077 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Cucumber needs ~1,410 GDD — county provides 5,005 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Graham County, AZ

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 4
Direct Sow April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ May 4
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 โ€“ Aug 10

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 24" apart ยท Rows 48" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

213 days

Growing Tips for Graham County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes
  • Sage

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cucumber in Graham County, AZ?

Graham County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Graham County, AZ?

Graham County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 5.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Graham County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Graham County, AZ. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.