Cucumbers are a popular choice for indoor gardens because they are relatively easy to grow and produce delicious fruit. However, to harvest delicious, juicy fruit, you need to know how to care for your plants because their needs are different at each growth stage. Read on to learn all about the cucumber plant stages, including what happens at each stage and tips for caring for your plants.
The type of cucumbers
Before we delve into the cucumber plant stages, it is important to understand cucumber varieties.
Different cucumber varieties grow in different ways. Some are vines, with the vines spreading out horizontally, or, of course, vertically if you use a trellis. Bush varieties, on the other hand, are more compact, and they are better suited to small spaces, but they don’t produce as many fruits as vine cucumbers.
The three primary kinds of cucumber plants are as follows. Slicing, pickling, and seedless (not burping).
- Slicing cucumbers: They are cucumbers that are grown specifically for eating right off the vine.
- Pickling Cucumbers: They reach lengths of 3–4 inches and widths of 1 inch. Picklers have thicker, shorter skin that is dotted with black or white dots along their spines.
- Burpless cucumbers: Compared to other varieties, they are sweeter and have thinner skins. Burpless cucumbers are edible and easy to digest because of their soft skin, practically seedless growth, and two feet of length. They almost burp-like due to the thin skin and lack of seeds.
When choosing a specific cucumber type, be sure to understand its specific needs for growing and care.
The 6 Cucumber plant stages
Stage 1: Germinating Stage
Germinating is the first stage of a cucumber plant. At this point, the seed’s outer layer is broken through by the first stems and roots. The soil’s temperature affects germination. In chilly soil (below 80 degrees Fahrenheit), it could take up to 10 days (or more) for the seeds to sprout.
However, at temperatures above 80 degrees, the seeds can germinate much faster, sometimes in as little as three days. Cucumbers prefer warmth, they do best when planted in a sunny place.
Stage 2: Seedling Stage
In 3 to 10 days, if your cucumber seeds germinate properly, you should see seedlings. At this stage, your cucumbers will begin to sprout and develop small, immature leaves. It’s time to move your seeds if you cultivate them indoors. Dig a tiny hole or pile soil in the desired location for each seedling transplant. The mounds should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart, and the rows should be spaced about one foot apart. Plant one seedling in each hole, separating them slightly. Wet the roots and cover them with soil.
Stage 3: Vegetative Stage
The size of your plants will increase in a few weeks. Try watering your cucumber plants from the roots instead of from above or soaking the leaves after they reach this stage and start to produce leaves. By doing this, the likelihood of mold and other illnesses that affect cucumbers will be decreased.
If you are growing vining cucumber plants, the vines will also begin to grow, and this is a good time to tie them to the trellis.
Stage 4: Flowering Stage
The majority of cucumber plants simultaneously grow their male and female blooms. The female flowers emerge around two weeks after the male blossoms. But they require bees or hand pollination to produce fruit. They might also be self-pollinating, parthenogenetic plant kinds that do not require pollination. Check your seeds to determine your cucumber variety.
Once bright yellow flowers appear, you know cucumbers are coming. This stage is the growth phase, and cucumbers are heavy feeders. Add more fertilizer to provide the plant with the energy it needs to keep growing and bearing fruit.
If you are growing cucumbers that have both male and female flowers, and the first bloom does not produce fruit, don’t panic, as this is evidence of a male flower. You will have both male and female flowers in the following flowering cycle, which will lead to the production of cucumbers.
Stage 5: Fruit Formation Stage
Once the female flowers open, you will see fruit at the base of the flower, and the male flowers will fall off as the cucumber plant’s fruiting stage approaches. The fruit that grows is usually green, long, and oval.
When growing cucumbers from seed, fruiting usually happens 45 to 70 days after sowing. However, this timing can vary depending on the variety of cucumbers you are growing, the climate, and how you care for your plants. Water is especially important during this fruit formation stage, especially if the weather becomes very hot and dry. Watering once a day during hot weather, but water every other day at other times. Adequate moisture will make your cucumbers taste less bitter. Cucumbers grow quickly at this stage and can be harvested within a few days.
Stage 6: Harvest Stage
Cucumbers are usually harvested before they are fully ripe, which is usually 8 to 10 days after the small fruits first emerge from the flowers. They are a deep sweet green color and you can smell their fresh, juicy flavor. They are usually 6 to 8 inches in size but can vary depending on the cucumber variety. Don’t harvest all of your cucumbers at once unless you plan to eat them, and keep in mind that cucumbers on a plant may mature at slightly different times. Regular harvesting of cucumbers will promote the growth of new shoots, allowing you to enjoy cucumbers all summer long. Make sure they don’t remain on the vine for too long. It’s preferable to harvest your cucumbers before they turn yellow or become too big since then they will taste bitter. To gather the cucumbers, cut the fruits off the vine with a knife or pair of scissors. Avoid twisting or pulling on your plant as this may cause damage.
FAQs about Cucumber Plant Stages
Q: How long does it take for cucumber plants to fruit?
A: It depends on the variety. If grown from seed, most cucumbers will be ready for harvest in 50 to 70 days.
Q: How long does it take for cucumbers to grow after they bloom?
Small cucumbers usually follow the blossoms, and if you water them regularly, your harvest may be ready in 8 to 10 days.
Q: Can we grow cucumbers in raised beds?
A: Cucumbers need a lot of room to grow. Make sure your raised bed has at least 4 feet of space for them to grow properly. If you grow cucumbers on a trellis, make sure your garden bed is at least 6 feet wide.
Q: Why aren’t my cucumbers growing?
A: Extreme seasonal temperatures above 90°F or below 60°F can cause flower drop and inhibit fruit set. Too little or too much water can cause the vine’s overall decline.
Q: Can I grow cucumbers indoors?
A: Yes, you may grow cucumbers indoors as long as you have enough light and a suitable temperature. If you are growing in a grow tent or room, compact or bush varieties are better suited for indoor growing.
