Cucumber planting guide
When to plant cucumbers
Plant cucumber seeds outdoors after the last frost, when soil one inch below the surface is at least 70°F. The date changes by location, but both conditions still apply.
Preferred method
Plant seeds outdoors
The university guide recommends sowing cucumbers where they will grow.
Soil temperature
At least 70°F
Measure one inch below the surface after the last frost date.
Seed depth
1/2 inch
Follow the variety packet if its instructions differ.
Soil pH
6.0–6.5
The reviewed guide recommends moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.
Outdoor planting check
Are both planting conditions met?
This check uses two conditions from a University of Minnesota garden guide. It does not know your location or current forecast.
Planting seeds outdoors
Wait for both frost and soil
The University of Minnesota guide recommends a soil thermometer. Plant after the last frost once soil one inch deep reaches at least 70°F. We do not reuse its Minnesota calendar dates nationwide because locations warm at different times.
Indoor backup
Do not start more than four weeks early
If you start seedlings indoors and move them outside later, begin no more than four weeks before the last frost. Use plantable pots to avoid damaging the main root during the move.
Why this page does not give one national planting date
The source gives Minnesota month examples, but this site does not present those dates as national guidance. Use your local frost estimate, measure your soil and check the current forecast.
Estimate my frost dates →Spacing and early care
Vining types
Sow seeds 2 inches apart, then thin emerged seedlings to 8–12 inches apart. Leave 2–3 feet on each side of the row for vines, or use a 3–4 foot trellis.
Hills and bush types
The source lists 5–6 feet between hills of vining cucumbers and 2–3 feet between rows or hills for short-vined bush types.
Row covers
Covers can protect young plants from cold nights, but remove them when flowering begins so pollinators can reach non-seedless varieties.
Water
The reviewed guide calls for about 1 inch of rain or irrigation per week during the growing season and recommends thoroughly soaking the soil while keeping leaves dry.