GardenHow to grow cucumber
खीरा. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsFebruary and March, June and July
South and coastal IndiaJune and July, September and October, December and January
HillsApril and May
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow the seed straight where the plant will grow.
- Depth
- 1.5 cm
- Spacing
- One or two plants per container
- In a pot
- A tub or grow bag of 25 litres or more, with a net to climb
- Sprouts in
- 4 to 8 days
- Harvest
- 45 to 60 days
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Keep the soil evenly moist. Dry spells make the fruits bitter.
- Let the vine climb. Fruits grown off the ground are straighter and cleaner.
- Pick often. One fruit left to turn yellow and seedy stops the vine from making more.
What can go wrong
Yellow angular spots on the leaves that turn brown are downy mildew, common in humid weather. Remove affected leaves and avoid wetting the foliage.
Sown around the same time
TomatoBrinjalChilliOkra (bhindi)Bottle gourd (lauki)Bitter gourd (karela)Ridge gourd (tori)Pumpkin (kaddu)
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is cucumber sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for cucumber are February and March, June and July.
How long does cucumber take to grow?
Usually 45 to 60 days.
Can cucumber be grown in a pot?
Yes. A tub or grow bag of 25 litres or more, with a net to climb.