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When to Plant Cucumber in Cherokee County, TX

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.

Cherokee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.

At an elevation of 339 feet, Cherokee County receives approximately 68.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam 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.

Cherokee County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
255 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
255 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Cherokee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (132 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 30 Transplant: Mar 13 🍅 Harvest: May 8 – Jul 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (129 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jul 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (128 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jul 28

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 1,008 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Cucumber needs ~1,275 GDD — county provides 5,418 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Cherokee County, TX

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 โ€“ Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Apr 3
Harvest May 15 May 15 โ€“ Jul 10

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 8a

Growing Season

255 days

Growing Tips for Cherokee 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 Cherokee County, TX?

Cherokee County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cherokee County, TX?

Cherokee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cherokee 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 Cherokee County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.