Cucumbers in Aberdeen
Cucumis sativus
A tender climbing vine grown for its crisp fruits, requiring warm conditions and consistent moisture. In the UK, greenhouse varieties yield earlier and longer, while outdoor ridge types are hardier but need a warm summer.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Cucumber
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Grow cucumbers indoors or in a greenhouse for an earlier, longer harvest. Train them vertically and pinch out male flowers to prevent bitter fruit.
1 Sow Seeds Indoors
Sow seeds on their edge to a depth of in modules or small pots from 28th March - 4th April. Use a heated propagator or warm windowsill at for reliable germination. Do not sow earlier than this window, as seedlings grow quickly and suffer if root-bound.
2 Pot On Seedlings
Once seedlings have two true leaves, pot them on into larger pots from 14th April - 21st April. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the delicate roots, and use a rich potting compost. Keep them in a warm, bright spot to encourage strong growth.
3 Transplant to Greenhouse
Plant out into greenhouse beds or large containers from 2nd May - 9th May. Space plants apart and plant on a slight mound to keep the stem base dry. Provide vertical support like canes or strings for the vines to climb.
4 Train and Pinch Out
Train the main stem up its support and pinch out the growing tip when it reaches the top. Remove male flowers (those without a tiny fruit behind) to prevent bitter fruits, as greenhouse varieties are parthenocarpic and don't need pollination.
5 Water and Feed Regularly
Water heavily from the base to keep the soil consistently moist from 5th May, avoiding the main stem and leaves to prevent rot and mildew. Once fruits start to form, feed with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 14 days to support fruiting.
6 Harvest Cucumbers
Harvest fruits frequently while they are small and firm from 19th June - 26th September. Use a sharp knife to cut them from the vine, picking every few days to encourage more production. Regular harvesting prevents fruits becoming oversized and bitter.
Companion Plants
Plants that grow well (or poorly) with Cucumber
Good Companions
Plants to Avoid
Why Companion Planting Matters
Companion planting can help deter pests, improve pollination, enhance growth, and maximize garden space. Some plants release chemicals that repel pests or attract beneficial insects, while others can improve soil quality or provide shade for sensitive plants.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Cucumber to consider
Marketmore
A reliable outdoor ridge cucumber with good disease resistance, producing dark green fruits ideal for slicing.
Carmen
A popular greenhouse variety that is parthenocarpic, yielding long, smooth fruits without pollination.
Crystal Apple
An heirloom outdoor type with round, pale yellow fruits and a mild flavour, suitable for cooler summers.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Sweetcorn
Sweetcorn is a tall annual plant grown for its sweet, juicy cobs. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and must be planted after the last frost. Plants are wind-pollinated, so for best results grow them in blocks rather than single rows, ensuring well-filled cobs. With good care and warm weather, sweetcorn will reward you with delicious fresh corn-on-the-cob in late summer.
Dahlia
Show-stopping tuberous perennials that provide a spectacular display of colour from mid-summer right up until the first frosts. Ranging from enormous 'dinner plate' blooms to intricate pompoms and open-centred varieties that bees adore, they are a staple of the late summer UK garden.
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.