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When to Plant Cucumber in Marion 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.

Marion County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 422 feet, Marion County receives approximately 50.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cucumber root diseases.

Marion County, OR (Zone 8a) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 30

Marion County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (69 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (67 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (73 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 11 Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Sep 12

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
1.1″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 689 gal / 100 sq ft
Cucumber needs ~960 GDD — county provides 3,088 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Marion County, OR

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 6
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 18
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Aug 24

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 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 8a

Growing Season

193 days

Growing Tips for Marion 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 Marion County, OR?

Marion County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marion County, OR?

Marion County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 30.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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