We know that it is not the time yet for cucumber cultivation but, we are already giving you a little advance about its care for when its time comes in the garden, although it does not take much to start sowing so here we go. Follow our tips and learn how to grow them!

WHAT DOES CUCUMBER GIVE US?

Cucumber is one of those vegetables that, although it does not stand out for its excellent nutritional properties , it has a series of properties that make it an important crop in the garden. The most important is its high potassium content and low sodium content , being a very good option for hypertension or high uric acid, for example. On the other hand, it is advisable to eat it with some skin (well washed) because it provides fiber and also has an important beta-carotene content. It belongs to the cucurbit family that includes species such as zucchini, melon or watermelon. Crop whose development time is framed in spring and summer, being able to collect the last specimens even in a few weeks of autumn. Let’s see what we need for himcucumber cultivation.

CLIMATIC NEEDS

TEMPERATURE

It is a crop with needs similar to those of melon or zucchini. A little less heat than melon and a little more than zucchini. Staying at optimal temperatures is essential for the proper functioning of the crop. The nights can’t go too low. With a temperature lower than 16 ºC, it begins to suffer, showing symptoms such as poorly formed fruits. Obviously, we don’t even talk about frosts when growing cucumbers. During the day we can move in temperatures between 20 and 30 ºC.

LIGHT

Sun in all its fullness . As a crop that develops during the summer period, it could not be otherwise. Like the temperatures maybe a little less than the melon but they go hand in hand.

NOW LET’S SEE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOIL

The cultivation of cucumber needs a well-drained soil, light and rich in organic matter. Does not tolerate waterlogged soils well. If you use compost you will need more quantity than for other crops and it must be well decomposed. It is a crop that, like melon , is tolerant of saline soils. Maybe not so much but it is not something that we should worry about unless it is excessive.

WATER NECESSARY FOR THE CULTIVATION OF CUCUMBER

You need water. Although somewhat tolerant of periods of “dry” soil, it is not convenient for it to happen. It is best to always keep the soil moist, being careful not to puddle the soil and saturate it. Tolerance to water stress is not his strong suit. It is more appropriate to maintain a high watering frequency and not so abundant. Something important to keep in mind is not to wet the leaves during watering. Spraying for example is not recommended at all. Localized irrigation is the best option to reduce the risks of diseases such as powdery mildew . In hot places, the use of mulch is highly recommended to maintain soil moisture and reduce the amount of irrigation water.

SUBSCRIBER KEYS

As for the subscriber, what can be analyzed, first, are the needs in fertilizer units of the crop. This will depend, above all, on the production, and in that regard, there are usually differences.

CUCUMBER OUTDOORS

To give an example, for a production between 25 and 35 tons / ha (t / ha), a rational fertilizer recommendation can be the following:

• Nitrogen (N): 100-120 FU / ha
• Phosphorus (P2O5): 40-50 UF / ha
• Potassium (K2O): 120-160 UF / ha

GREENHOUSE CUCUMBER

In the greenhouse, the productions go up much more, as is logical, since an ideal climate is created for their development.

• Nitrogen (N): 220-280 FU / ha
• Phosphorus (P2O5): 130-150 UF / ha
• Potassium (K2O): 260-320 FU / ha

AND DO I DO THE ENTUTORADO OR NOT?

Our recommendation is yes . Tutoring the crop gives us a few advantages:

• We can reduce planting frames and save space in the orchard for other crops.
• The collection will be more comfortable.
• The cucumber does not touch the ground, which being wet, we may have a greater risk of disease or rot.
• The trellis helps in watering so as not to wet the leaves (in case localized watering is not done)

LATEST RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE CULTIVATION OF CUCUMBER

• In the collection is the secret. The best time is a little before they are fully formed. Don’t let them start to yellow.
• If you choose to grow the cucumber in a creeping way (without trellis), mulching is highly recommended so that the fruit does not touch the damp earth.

SOME VARIETIES

We mainly differentiate 3 types of cucumber:

Short or Spanish cucumber : Short, measuring no more than 15 cm and their most distinctive feature is their yellow or white longitudinal stripes. It is used for pickles. In this case, it is collected in a smaller size.

Medium long or French: Somewhat longer (up to 25 cm) With smooth skin or with thorns, it is intended for consumption fresh.

Dutch length : It is usually more than 25 cm in length, has smooth skin and is usually slightly furrowed.