Cucumber

Cucumber (*Cucumis sativus*) is a warm-season annual grown for crisp fruits that can be eaten fresh or pickled. Depending on the variety, plants may climb on tendrils, run along the ground, or stay more compact, so choose a trellis or bed space to match the seed packet. ## Fruit and growth North Carolina State Extension lists cucumber plants at about 8–18 inches tall with vines that may spread 3–8 feet. Small yellow flowers appear in summer, and bees commonly move pollen between flowers. Harvest fruit while it is young and tender, and pick regularly to encourage continued production. ## Site and soil Grow cucumber in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Sow or transplant after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed; Utah State Extension recommends waiting until soil reaches about 65°F. Provide consistent moisture, watering deeply as fruit develops. ## Maintenance Train vining plants on a sturdy trellis to save space and improve airflow. Mulch once soil is warm to slow weeds and conserve moisture, and avoid disturbing the shallow roots while cultivating. [North Carolina State Extension cucumber profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cucumis-sativus/common-name/cucumbers/); [Utah State University Extension growing guide](https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/cucumber-in-the-garden); [University of Minnesota Extension growing cucumbers](https://extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/yard-and-garden/gardening-in-minnesota/growing-cucumbers).