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When to Plant Cucumber in Jefferson County, FL

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.

Jefferson County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 257 days.

At an elevation of 105 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 56 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, 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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cucumber root diseases.

Jefferson County, FL (Zone 8b) Long season
257 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
257 growing days
First Fall Frost November 21

Jefferson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-5.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (126 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 4 Transplant: Mar 18 🍅 Harvest: May 13 – Jul 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (131 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 9 Transplant: Mar 23 🍅 Harvest: May 18 – Jul 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Jul 31

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
0.9″/week
You supply
1.0″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 2,367 gal / 100 sq ft
Cucumber needs ~1,275 GDD — county provides 5,461 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Jefferson County, FL

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 9 Feb 9 โ€“ Feb 23
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 6
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Apr 6
Harvest May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jul 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
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 8b

Growing Season

257 days

Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, FL?

Jefferson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson County, FL?

Jefferson County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 21.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Jefferson County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Jefferson County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.