🌱 How to Grow Green Cucumber (Long) from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: खीरा (Kheera)

• Tamil: வெள்ளரிக்காய் (Vellarikka)

• Telugu: దోసకాయ (Dosakaya)

• Malayalam: വെള്ളരിക്ക (Vellarikka)

• Kannada: ಸೌತೆಕಾಯಿ (Southekayi)

• English: Green Cucumber

• Botanical name: Cucumis sativus

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season climber crop

• Best time to sow:

  • Spring–Summer: Jan–Apr

  • Monsoon crop: Jun–Aug (ensure good drainage)

• Ideal temperature: 20°C to 32°C

• Avoid frost or very cold temperatures

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Loose, sandy loam or loamy soil

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Mix in compost, cow dung manure, and neem cake powder before sowing

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Sow seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • In garden beds: 12–15 inches between plants

  • In containers: Use 12–14 inch deep pots, sow 2–3 seeds per pot, and thin to 1–2 healthy seedlings

• Water gently after sowing

4. Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting

• Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry

• Mulch the soil to retain moisture and control weeds

5. Germination

• Seeds germinate in 4–8 days

• Provide good sunlight and warmth for healthy seedlings

• Thin seedlings if overcrowded

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 6–8 hours of full sunlight per day

• Grows best in 22°C to 32°C

• Use trellis, stake, or net support to train the vine vertically for better airflow and fruit quality

7. Fertilization

• Add organic compost every 2–3 weeks

• During flowering/fruiting: Use banana peel compost or seaweed liquid fertilizer

• Avoid too much nitrogen — promotes leaves over fruits

8. Pest Control

• Common pests: Aphids, fruit flies, powdery mildew

• Spray neem oil + soap solution every 10–15 days

• Remove yellow or diseased leaves regularly

9. Harvesting

• First cucumbers ready in 45–60 days

• Harvest when fruits are 6–10 inches long, tender, and bright green

• Don’t delay — overripe fruits turn yellow and bitter

10. Regrow Tip

• Leave a few cucumbers to fully ripen and turn yellow

• Scoop out seeds, wash, dry, and store for next season

• With care, each plant can yield 10–20 fruits

🥒 Health Benefits of Cucumber

• High in water content – keeps you hydrated

• Good source of Vitamin K, C, and potassium

• Aids in digestion, weight loss, and detoxification

• Cooling effect helps reduce body heat