cucumber
Cucumis sativus
History
Some records can trace cucmbers back to ancient mesopitania however, more accurate records would place in moredern day india. The cucumber was not introduced to The europeans until the romans had brought it over through trade routes. Maintaining popularity it was one of the crops brought to the americas by Christopher columbusin the mid-1500s and grow in Haiti. By the 1800s there were 8 varities grow across america with now over 100 varieties.
Growing conditions
Sunlight
Needs atleast 6 hours of direct sunlight
Temperature Range
60F-75F
Soil Conditions
Sandy Loam soil.
Water
1 to 2 inches of water per week.
Water the plants when the topsoil is dry to the touch. May require more while flowering
Nutrients
10-10-10 for vegitation
5-10-10 for flowering
pH
6.5-7.5
Prefers a slightly acidic soil
Plant care
Sowing Seeds
Building a mound is a method to promote soil drainage and warmer temp but is not reqired if condition for soil and weather are good. Give the plants about 2 feet of spacing and plently of space to strech out
Germination
Seeds can take 3 to 10 days to germinate
Placing a dome over the mounds can help increase humidity to an ideal condition for young growth
Pruning
Remove dense foilage to help with air flow and to keep the plant healthy
Remove the first few flowers to allow for green growth
Harvest
Keep any growing cucmbers off the ground to prevent disease. Once the cucumber are at a desireable cut the flower back to the vine as close as possible.
Growing Tips
Male flowers connect to the stem and female have an immature cucumber between the stem and flower.
Hand pollination can increase the chances of a fruit set. Remove males after pollination to encourage females to healthy fruit.
Garden plotter quick facts
Spacing
10" to 16"
Water needs
Moderate
Sunlight
Full Sun
A warm-season crop producing juicy red fruits.
