The cucumber has been cultivated by humans for over 3,000 years and originates from India. It is a heat- and sun-loving climbing plant that can give a surprisingly large harvest in a small space when given a trellis or net to climb along.
Popular Cucumber Varieties
- Marketmore – Classic garden cucumber, dark green and delightfully crunchy. Disease-resistant and productive.
- Tasty Green – Long, smooth-skinned Japanese variety. Thin-skinned and excellent eaten raw.
- Patio Snacker – Compact variety specifically bred for balcony and container growing.
- Lemon Cucumber – Round, pale yellow cucumber with a mild and sweet flavour. A great conversation-starter in the garden.
- Cornichon – Small pickling cucumber harvested young. Perfect for preserving.
Care
Light
Cucumbers need warmth and sun. Choose the warmest, sunniest spot — ideally against a south-facing wall that absorbs and reflects heat.
Watering
The cucumber is 95% water and therefore requires abundant and consistent watering — ideally daily during hot periods. Uneven watering leads to a bitter taste in the fruit. Water at the base, not from above.
Feeding
Feed every two weeks with a balanced fertiliser. Switch to a high-potassium fertiliser once flowering begins.
Staking and Support
Attach a net, fence or bamboo canes and help the young shoots to anchor themselves. Pinch out the growing tip once the plant has reached the desired height to stimulate side shoots and thus more fruit.
Soil
Nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Cucumbers are hungry plants — mix in plenty of compost.
Common Problems
Powdery mildew (white powdery coating on leaves) is common in humid conditions. Improve air circulation and spray with a bicarbonate solution.
Bitter taste is caused by stress, uneven watering or temperature fluctuations.
Yellowing leaves may indicate nitrogen or magnesium deficiency.
Harvest
Harvest cucumbers regularly — ideally when they are 15–20 cm long. If the fruits are allowed to become too large and yellow, the plant's production decreases dramatically. Harvest every day to every other day at peak season.
