Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus
Order: Cucurbitales
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Cucumis
Plant Type: Vegetable
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-11
Soil pH Level: Around 6.5
Soil Texture: Loamy
Sun Exposure: Full
Appearance Description: Cucumbers are a warm season vegetable with sprawling vines with large green leaves. Cucumbers have a green bumpy outer layer and a pale green center with several seeds.
How to Plant:
1. Work the soil until it has a smooth and broken-up consistency.
2. Amend native soil with compost, manure, or any other material.
3. A specially formulated fertilizer can be added at time of planting.
4. Space rows 6-inches apart and each plant 2.5-feet apart.
5. Sow seeds at a depth of 1-inch.
6. Water generously after planting.
How to Maintain:
1. Critters love cucumbers; building a fence may be necessary.
2. Mulch can be added to retain moisture and to keep the roots cool.
3. Water constantly, the soil should never dry out.
4. Feed carrots with a specially formulated fertilizer.
5. When plants reach a 4-inch height, thin them.
6. It may be necessary to build a trellis or cage.
How to Harvest:
1. Harvest when each plant is 6-8 inches in size.
2. It is best to harvest before the seeds become hard and when the shell is uniformly green.
3. Do not leave plants on the vine for a long period of time; it will slow production.
4. Cucumbers should be picked every couple days.
Storage Tips:
Wrap each cucumber individually in a paper towel and place into a plastic bag. Refrigerate as soon as possible.
Top Varieties:
1. Sweet Success
2. Straight Eight
3. County Fair
Fun Facts:
1. Cucumbers make a great summer facial for improving skin tone.
2. Cucumbers can be marinated and stored in a way that transforms them into pickles.
3. Cucumbers are 90% water.
Related Soil:
Schultz Moisture Plus Potting Mix
Related Plant Food:
Schultz All Purpose Water Soluble
Schultz Flower & Vegetable Extended Feed
Schultz All Purpose Extended Feed
Schultz Granular Tomato & Vegetable Plant Food
Schultz Granular All Purpose Plant Food
