Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

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Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Datasheet

  1. Common Name: Cucumber

  2. Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus

  3. Family: Cucurbitaceae

  4. Origin: Native to South Asia; domesticated in India over 3,000 years ago

  5. Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–12 (grown as a warm-season annual)

  6. Light Requirements: Full sun; needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day

  7. Water Needs: High; 1–2 inches per week with consistent moisture—especially during flowering and fruiting

  8. Soil Preferences: Loose, well-draining sandy loam with high organic matter; pH 6.0–7.0

  9. "Ponics" Compatibility:
     - Aquaponics: Very compatible
     - Aeroponics: Fairly compatible
     - Hydroponics: Very compatible
     - Preferred Method: Vertical NFT or trellised DWC for efficient space use; Dutch bucket systems for heavier fruit loads

  10. Growth Habit: Fast-growing annual vine; can be determinate (bush) or indeterminate (vining); monoecious (male and female flowers) or gynoecious (only female flowers)

  11. Height & Spread: Height (trellised): 4–6 ft; Spread: 2–6 ft depending on variety and training

  12. Time from Germination to Harvest: 50–70 days, depending on cultivar

  13. Flowering Time: 4–6 weeks after germination; yellow star-shaped flowers

  14. Edible Parts: Fruit (botanically a pepo); skin, flesh, and seeds are all edible

  15. Medicinal Uses: Hydrating, diuretic, anti-inflammatory; traditionally used for cooling skin, eye treatments, and minor burns

  16. Companion Plants: Corn, beans, peas, lettuce, radish, dill, marigolds; avoid potatoes and aromatic herbs like sage

  17. Pest & Disease Resistance: Prone to powdery mildew, cucumber beetles, aphids, downy mildew, mosaic virus; resistant cultivars available; rotating crops, row covers, and trellising help prevention

  18. Harvest Time: Harvest young when firm and green, before seeds mature; pick daily to encourage continuous production; refrigerate up to 1 week

  19. Propagation Methods: By seed; direct sow or transplant seedlings; germinates in 3–10 days in warm soil (70–95°F)

  20. Sustainability Features: Fast-growing; trellising increases yield and airflow; beneficial for pollinator activity; compatible with intercropping systems

  21. Culinary Uses: Fresh eating, pickling, salads, cold soups (like tzatziki), juices, and fermented as traditional pickles

  22. Fun Fact: Cucumbers are 95% water—making them one of the most hydrating garden vegetables

Marketmore 76
Flavor Profile: Mild, crisp, and slightly sweet.
Culinary Uses: Ideal for slicing, salads, and fresh eating.
Notes: Classic open-pollinated heirloom; dark green 8″ fruits with good disease resistance.
Planting Tip: Trellis for straight fruits and improved airflow.
Days to Maturity: ~65–70 days

Straight Eight
Flavor Profile: Crunchy and refreshing.
Culinary Uses: Excellent all-purpose slicer.
Notes: Heirloom variety with uniform, straight fruits about 8″ long.
Planting Tip: Best grown in full sun with consistent watering.
Days to Maturity: ~60–65 days

Boston Pickling
Flavor Profile: Firm and slightly tangy when pickled.
Culinary Uses: Made for pickling—classic small cuke.
Notes: Heirloom dating back to the 1800s; 3–6″ fruits.
Planting Tip: Pick frequently to encourage continual fruiting.
Days to Maturity: ~55–60 days

National Pickling
Flavor Profile: Crunchy, tangy, and great for brines.
Culinary Uses: Traditional pickles, fermented or vinegar-based.
Notes: Developed by USDA for commercial pickling; blocky, tapered ends.
Planting Tip: Great for container gardens and intensive plantings.
Days to Maturity: ~50–58 days

Lemon Cucumber
Flavor Profile: Sweet, mild, almost citrusy.
Culinary Uses: Fresh eating, salads, and decorative garnish.
Notes: Round yellow fruits the size of a lemon; heirloom and very prolific.
Planting Tip: Trellis to avoid blemishes on delicate skin.
Days to Maturity: ~65–70 days

Armenian Cucumber (Yard-long Cuke)
Flavor Profile: Mild and crisp with tender skin.
Culinary Uses: Best raw in salads or spiralized.
Notes: Technically Cucumis melo but grown like cucumbers; long, ribbed fruit can reach 24″+.
Planting Tip: Requires warmth and space; trellis to prevent curling.
Days to Maturity: ~70–75 days

Tasty Green (Burpless Hybrid)
Flavor Profile: Smooth, mild, and easy on digestion.
Culinary Uses: Great raw, in wraps, or on sandwiches.
Notes: Thin skin, no bitterness, and excellent texture.
Planting Tip: Performs well in greenhouses or warm climates.
Days to Maturity: ~55 days

Bush Champion
Flavor Profile: Standard crisp cucumber flavor.
Culinary Uses: Good for fresh eating and slicing.
Notes: Compact bush habit; great for patios and containers.
Planting Tip: Avoid overhead watering to reduce mildew risk.
Days to Maturity: ~55 days

Cucumber Cultivar Comparison Table

Variety Type Growth Habit Fruit Length Key Features Days to Maturity
Marketmore 76 Slicing Vining 8″ Heirloom, disease-resistant ~65–70
Straight Eight Slicing Vining 8″ Uniform straight fruit ~60–65
Boston Pickling Pickling Vining 3–6″ Heirloom, prolific ~55–60
National Pickling Pickling Semi-bush 5–6″ USDA-bred, blocky shape ~50–58
Lemon Cucumber Specialty Vining 3″ round Yellow skin, sweet flavor ~65–70
Armenian Cucumber Specialty Vining 18–24″ Ribbed, not true cucumber ~70–75
Tasty Green Burpless Vining 8–10″ Thin skin, mild flavor ~55
Bush Champion Slicing Bush 8″ Container-friendly ~55

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Lesson tags: aquaponic cucumber, Armenian cucumber, burpless cucumber, compact garden crops, container gardening, cucumber, Cucumis sativus, cucurbit crops, disease-resistant varieties, fermented vegetables, fresh eating, garden to table, heirloom vegetables, hot weather vegetables, hydroponic cucumber, lemon cucumber, organic gardening, pickling cucumber, slicing cucumber, summer vegetables, trellised vegetables, vertical gardening, vining crops
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