Cucumbers in Bristol
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 outdoors in a warm, sheltered spot. Let plants sprawl naturally and do not pinch flowers, as they need bee pollination.
1 Sow Seeds Indoors
Sow seeds on their edge to a depth of in modules from 22nd February - 1st March. Keep them at on a warm windowsill or in a propagator. Sow no earlier than this to avoid leggy, root-bound seedlings.
2 Harden Off Seedlings
Gradually acclimatise seedlings to outdoor conditions over 15 days from 15th March - 29th March. Place them outside in a sheltered spot during the day, bringing them in at night. This toughens them up before transplanting.
3 Transplant Outdoors
Plant out into a warm, sunny bed after the last frost from 29th March - 12th April. Space plants apart on slight mounds to improve drainage. Use cloches or fleece for extra protection if nights are cool.
4 Let Plants Sprawl
Allow plants to spread naturally across the ground or over a low frame. Do not pinch out flowers, as outdoor varieties need bee pollination to set fruit. Mulch around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
5 Water and Feed Regularly
Water deeply at the base to keep soil moist from 25th November, avoiding wetting the leaves to reduce mildew risk. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 14 days once flowering begins to support fruit development.
6 Harvest Cucumbers
Pick fruits regularly when they reach a usable size from 25th November - 4th June. Cut them from the vine with a knife, harvesting every few days to encourage continuous production. Outdoor varieties may have a shorter season, so pick promptly.
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.