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Cucumis /ˈkʊ.kʊ.mɪs/

Common name: Cucumber · Gherkin

Cucumis A genus of about 30 species of tendril-climbing vines in the gourd family, native to Africa and Asia, and best known for giving us cucumbers and melons. Cucumber is typically grown as a fast warm-season annual, trained up trellises or allowed to sprawl, and harvested young before the seeds harden. It demands full sun, rich soil, and consistent watering, rewarding the effort with heavy yields over a long season.

Care summary

Sun Full sun, 6–8 hours daily
Water Abundant, consistent moisture; thirsty crop
Soil Rich, well-draining, pH 6.0–7.0
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Fun facts

  • Cucumbers are about 95% water, which makes them remarkably refreshing.
  • The phrase "cool as a cucumber" is literal — the interior of a cucumber can be several degrees cooler than the outside air.
  • Pickling cucumbers and slicing cucumbers are the same species, selected for different traits.
  • Many greenhouse varieties are parthenocarpic, setting fruit without pollination — so the fruits are seedless.

Common problems

    • Water at the base, keep foliage dry
    • Space plants for good air circulation
    • Choose resistant varieties where available
    • Hand-pollinate flowers under cover
    • Avoid spraying insecticides during flowering
    • Grow male and female flowers together
    • Protect seedlings with collars or grit
    • Plant out sturdy transplants, not seedlings
    • Hand-pick slugs in the evening