Blog

When to Plant Cucumber in La Paz 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.

La Paz County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 2 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 307 days.

At an elevation of 4,875 feet, La Paz County receives approximately 17.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 105ยฐF, 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.

La Paz County, AZ (Zone 9b) Year-round
307 days
Last Spring Frost February 2
307 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

La Paz County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (200 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 21 Transplant: Jan 25 🍅 Harvest: Mar 22 – May 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (188 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 5 Transplant: Feb 9 🍅 Harvest: Apr 6 – Jun 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (184 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 30 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: May 1 – Jun 26

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
1.5″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 4,154 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cucumber needs ~1,725 GDD — county provides 8,855 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” La Paz County, AZ

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 5 Jan 5 โ€“ Jan 19
Transplant Outdoors February 9 Feb 9 โ€“ Feb 23
Direct Sow February 2 Feb 2 โ€“ Feb 23
Harvest April 6 Apr 6 โ€“ Jun 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March โ€”
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
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 9b

Growing Season

307 days

Growing Tips for La Paz 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 La Paz County, AZ?

La Paz County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 2. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is La Paz County, AZ?

La Paz County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 2 and first fall frost is December 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help La Paz County gardeners in Zone 9b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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