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When to Plant Cucumber in Deschutes County, OR

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.

Deschutes County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 15 and the first fall frost is September 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 90 days.

At an elevation of 221 feet, Deschutes County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cucumber to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cucumber root diseases.

Deschutes County, OR (Zone 6a) Very short season
90 days
Last Spring Frost June 15
90 growing days
First Fall Frost September 13

Deschutes County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 29 Transplant: Jun 17 🍅 Harvest: Aug 12 – Oct 7
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 11 Transplant: Jun 29 🍅 Harvest: Aug 24 – Oct 19
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: May 22 Transplant: Jul 10 🍅 Harvest: Sep 4 – Oct 30

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
2.6″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Cucumber needs ~645 GDD — county provides 967 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Deschutes County, OR

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25
Transplant Outdoors June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Jul 13
Direct Sow June 22 Jun 22 โ€“ Jul 13
Harvest August 24 Aug 24 โ€“ Oct 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Start Indoors
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 6a

Growing Season

90 days

Growing Tips for Deschutes 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cucumber in Deschutes County, OR?

Deschutes County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of June 15. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Deschutes County, OR?

Deschutes County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 15 and first fall frost is September 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Deschutes County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Deschutes County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.