Gherkin Cucumis sativus

Cucumber is an annual climbing or spreading vine and common vegetable grown for its crisp, green fruit. It is a member of the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family, and its native growing region is Himalaya to northern Thailand. Cucumber plants can grow 8 to 18 inches high and 3 to 8 feet wide. If given proper soil and water, cucumber plants can be an incredibly prolific addition to your vegetable garden.

Cucumber grows best in full sun and moist, rich, well-drained soil. It prefers a slightly acidic pH. It has high water needs and requires consistent moisture for proper growth, but good drainage is also important. Keep the leaves dry while watering to prevent fungal diseases. Note that vertically grown cucumber plants lose moisture more easily. Propagate cucumber by seed.

Cucumber needs warm soil temperatures to germinate and grow. Seeds can be directly sown after the last frost or started indoors three to six weeks before transplanting, or less than four weeks before the last frost date. Be careful to avoid damaging the plant's taproot when transplanting. Cucumbers can be harvested green when they reach their preferred size; however, cucumbers that have turned yellow are over ripe and will be tough and difficult to eat. Poor pollination may lead to misshapen fruit. To pick, cut the stem attaching the fruit to the vine with a sharp, clean knife or clippers. Harvest often to spur further fruit production. 

Cucumber plants can be grown vertically on a trellis or even a wire fence, which increases air circulation, prevents diseases, and grows straighter fruits. It can also be grown in a container of a minimum size of 1 gallon and 8 inches depth. Cucumber is most well known for its use in salads and pickling, so its best landscape use is in an edible garden. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: There are pest and disease problems that can generally be managed through good cultural practices.  

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common cucumis diseases as well as a factsheet on common insect pests and other problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.