Cucumbers are plants that need a lot of warmth and can be a bit finicky to grow in our latitudes, but with a little care they will bring a note of freshness to our plates. But before we get there, we still need to know when to sow them, how to do it, and how to have them for the following year.
When and at what temperature to start cucumber seeds?
Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus), a plant native to India in the cucurbit family, with unisexual flowers, need to have their feet (roots) warm…
Like pickles, cucumber cultivation is relatively easy, provided you follow several rules, and especially that the sun is shining…
When should you sow cucumber seeds?
It’s best to sow your cucumbers in pots starting mid-April because the more they grow indoors, warmly at home, the tougher they’ll be when you plant them in the ground.
You can also sow cucumbers directly in the ground after the last frosts, commonly referred to as the « Ice Saints », around May 13. However, you’ll need the right location with soil already warmed by the sun.
At what temperature should cucumber seeds be started?
Temperatures between 60 and 75°F (16 to 24°C) are essential for your cucumber seedlings, which will appreciate warmth and a very sunny location. Be careful, though, that your seedlings don’t burn from too much exposure or dry out accidentally.
In what soil and where to transplant cucumber seedlings?
Once the warm days are well established, from mid-May at the earliest and hoping there are no late frosts, transplant your cucumbers outdoors into soil rich in nitrogen.
Don’t hesitate to plant them in a warm spot but also protected from wind which cucumbers don’t particularly enjoy. A little shade is not unwelcome either.
Once the soil is well warmed by the sun, don’t forget to mulch!
How to succeed with your cucumber seedlings?
To germinate your cucumber seeds, the simplest approach is to start by sowing in sufficiently large pots because cucumbers quickly develop a dense root system.
Sow 3 to 4 seeds per pot and keep only the strongest seedling… It’s important to select the most vigorous plants to yield better and more later on!
Crop rotation: what to plant or sow after cucumbers?
Cucumbers are preferably planted in a different location each year to limit the risk of diseases such as powdery mildew or downy mildew, which can return more easily to the same spot year after year.
How to produce your own cucumber seeds?
To produce your own cucumber seeds, take a robust fruit (the choice isn’t always easy depending on the variety; taste it if needed to know) and scoop it out to recover the seeds.
Let the seeds soak and then rinse them several times to remove the slimy coating before drying them on a clean towel or paper towel.
Once dried (you may need to swap the cloth several times due to the sticky nature of cucumber seeds), place the seeds in kraft paper or a jar (there must be absolutely no moisture in the jar or the seeds will rot) and store everything out of light and at room temperature.
Where to find organic cucumber seeds?
There are several options for finding organic cucumber seeds:
- Organic grocery stores: Stores specializing in organic products, such as organic groceries, co-ops, and farmers’ markets, are good places to find organic cucumber seeds. You can check gardening sections or bulk-food aisles for certified organic seeds.
- Organic nurseries: Organic nurseries are facilities dedicated to growing organic plants, including vegetable seeds. You can look for organic nurseries in your area and contact them to see if they offer organic cucumber seeds.
- Websites specializing in organic seeds: There are many websites that specialize in selling organic seeds online. Do a search to find trusted sites that offer organic cucumber seeds. Be sure to verify that the seeds are certified organic by a recognized certification body.
- Plant fairs and agricultural events: Plant fairs and agricultural events are often good places to find organic cucumber seeds. Attend events in your region and look for booths selling organic seeds.
- Seed exchanges: Local seed-exchange groups are a great way to obtain organic seeds. You can join organic gardening groups in your area and participate in seed exchanges to get organic cucumber seeds from other organic gardeners.
