How to grow Cucumber in the UK
Cucumis sativus
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a vegetable that grows well in UK gardens. Keep humid in the greenhouse. All-female varieties (e.g. Carmen) avoid bitter fruit. This guide covers when and how to sow Cucumber, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
When to sow & grow Cucumber
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr Sow | May | Jun Plant | Jul Harvest | Aug Harvest | Sep Harvest | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Fertile, free-draining soil enriched with garden compost
- Soil pH
- 6.5–7.0
- Position
- Open, sunny site
- Sowing depth
- 1.5 cm on edge
- Spacing
- 45 cm apart
- Sowing
- Sow indoors Apr; plant out/greenhouse late May
- Growing
- Keep humid and well-watered; feed weekly
- Harvest & upkeep
- Train up strings; remove male flowers on greenhouse types to avoid bitterness
- Watch for
- Red spider mite, powdery mildew
Companion planting for Cucumber
Grows well with:
Keep apart from:
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Cucumber FAQs
When should I sow Cucumber in the UK?
In the UK, sow Cucumber in April. Sowing across these months gives the plant the right soil temperature and day length to establish well.
What grows well with Cucumber?
Cucumber grows well alongside Borage, Dill, Dwarf French Bean, Nasturtium, Garden Pea, Radish. Good companions can deter pests, attract pollinators or make better use of space.
What should you not plant near Cucumber?
Keep Cucumber away from Potato, which can compete with it or share pests and diseases.
How much sun does Cucumber need?
Cucumber prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Cucumber ready to harvest?
Cucumber is typically ready to harvest in July, August, September in the UK.
Is Cucumber easy to grow?
Moderate. Keep humid in the greenhouse. All-female varieties (e.g. Carmen) avoid bitter fruit.