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When to Plant Cucumber in Greater Sudbury, ON

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.

Greater Sudbury, Ontario is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.

At an elevation of 1,141 feet, Greater Sudbury receives approximately 29.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 77ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cucumber, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Greater Sudbury, ON (Zone 5b) Moderate season
167 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
167 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Greater Sudbury Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 19

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,119 gal / 100 sq ft
Cucumber needs ~465 GDD — county provides 1,294 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Greater Sudbury, ON

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 โ€“ May 22
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 22
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 โ€“ Aug 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
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 5b

Growing Season

167 days

Growing Tips for Greater Sudbury

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 Greater Sudbury, ON?

Greater Sudbury is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greater Sudbury, ON?

Greater Sudbury, Ontario is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 8.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Greater Sudbury gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Greater Sudbury, ON. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.