Germination and Seedlings

• The cucumber requires temperatures from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum development. Plant the seeds directly into the garden after all danger of frost passes and the soil temperature has reached 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The cucumber does not tolerate frost and quickly perishes if subjected to cold temperatures. The seeds germinate in three to 10 days. Cold soil will slow the seed's germination process. In areas with a short growing season, consider starting the seeds indoors in starter flats. Place the starter flats in a south-facing window for adequate sunlight.
  
  

Flower Production

• The cucumber will begin to produce blooms in 60 to 65 days. The plant produces male flowers first that simply die and fall off without producing fruit. The second flush of flowers contains both male and female blooms, which helps ensure pollination and fruit production. Some varieties produce only female blossoms and require other cucumber varieties planted with it to guarantee pollination. The plants that produce female flowers offer a more abundant crop of cucumbers. Bees pollinate the flowers.
  
  

Root Growth

• Cucumbers grow best in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The plants develop a deep taproot and strong lateral roots that enable them to withstand periods of drought. To produce an abundant crop, the cucumber plant does require moist soil. Consider applying mulch across the soil's surface and across the plant's root system. The mulch helps the cucumber's roots develop by reducing soil compaction. It also helps to keep the plant's root system moist.
  
  

Harvest

• Some cucumber varieties begin to produce an ample crop 70 days after planting. The plant will require daily harvest to encourage it to continue to produce fruit. If the cucumbers age on the vine, the plant will cease producing. Avoid harvesting cucumbers on days that are wet to reduce the risk of spreading diseases. Use pruning shears to cut the cucumbers from the plant. Always handle the vine type cucumbers with care when harvesting. Vine varieties produce delicate roots from the joints. Disturbing the vines can harm the roots.