Cucumbers

CULTURE: Requires warm, well-drained soil high in fertility, with a pH of 6.8-7.2. Consistent, adequate irrigation is needed to produce an abundant crop. Cucumbers are very sensitive to cold. Make sure both soil and air temperatures have warmed prior to planting. The use of poly mulch and row covers will greatly enhance the vigor and potential yields of cucumbers by providing warmth and insect protection. For greenhouse or high tunnel production the use of gynoecious and parthenocarpic varieties are highly recommended.
TRANSPLANTING: Sow indoors in 50-cell plug trays, 1-2 seeds/cell, 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Keep temperature above 70°F (21°C) day and 60°F (16°C) night. Transplant 12" apart in rows 5-6' apart. Do not disturb roots when transplanting.
DIRECT SEEDING: Wait until soil is warm, at least 70°F (21°C). Cucumber seeds will not germinate at a soil temperature below 50°F (10°C). Sow 2 seeds/ft., 1/2" deep, in rows 6' apart. Thin to 12" apart.
DISEASES: Practice crop rotation, residue sanitation, and choose disease-resistant varieties. Control insect pests to prevent bacterial wilt.
INSECT PESTS: Exclude cucumber beetles with row covers at planting, or control with pyrethrin or azadarachtin.
HARVEST: Once fruit bearing begins, pick daily.
STORAGE: Hold cucumbers at 45-50°F (7-10°C) and 90% relative humidity for up to 2 weeks.
DAYS TO MATURITY: From direct seeding; subtract about 10 days if transplanting.
AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE: 30 seeds sows 15', 100 seeds/50', 250 seeds/125', 500 seeds/250', 1,000 seeds/500', 15M/acre at 2 seeds/ft. in rows 6' apart.
TRANSPLANTS: Avg. 85 plants/100 seeds.
SEED SPECS: SEEDS/LB.: 16,000-21,000 (avg. 18,000).
PACKET: 30 seeds unless otherwise noted.