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Cucumis sativus
Cucumis sativus
Cucumis sativus
Cucumis sativus

Cucumis sativus

TAXONOMY

FamilyCucurbitaceae
GenusCucumis
Zone10

ABOUT

Cucumis sativus, commonly known as cucumber, is a widely cultivated plant in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. Native to South Asia, it is now grown in many regions around the world. Cucumbers are annual plants that thrive in seasonally dry tropical climates. They are known for their elongated, green fruits which are commonly used in salads and pickling.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Concombre
Concombre Cultiv
Cornichon
Cucumber
Cucumbers
Garden Cucumber
Straight Eight Cucumber
Cucumis esculentus
Cucumis hardwickii
Cucumis muricatus
Cucumis rumphii
Cucumis sativus f. albus
Cucumis sativus f. australis
Cucumis sativus f. borealis
Cucumis sativus f. brunnescens
Cucumis sativus f. hardwickii
Cucumis sativus f. pallescens
Cucumis sativus f. tuberculatus
Cucumis sativus f. viridis
Cucumis sativus subsp. agrestis
Cucumis sativus subsp. gracilior
Cucumis sativus subsp. rigidus
Cucumis sativus var. albus
Cucumis sativus var. anatolicus
Cucumis sativus var. anglicus
Cucumis sativus var. arakis
Cucumis sativus var. battich-djebbal
Cucumis sativus var. brullos
Cucumis sativus var. chatte
Cucumis sativus var. chiar
Cucumis sativus var. cilicicus
Cucumis sativus var. ennemis
Cucumis sativus var. europaeus
Cucumis sativus var. fakus
Cucumis sativus var. falcatus
Cucumis sativus var. fastigiatus
Cucumis sativus var. flavus
Cucumis sativus var. grossularioides
Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii
Cucumis sativus var. indoeuropeus
Cucumis sativus var. iranoturanicus
Cucumis sativus var. izmir
Cucumis sativus var. pallidus
Cucumis sativus var. sativus
Cucumis sativus var. schemmam
Cucumis sativus var. squamosus
Cucumis sativus var. testudaceus
Cucumis sativus var. tuberculatus
Cucumis sativus var. variegatus
Cucumis sativus var. viridis
Cucumis sphaerocarpus
Cucumis vilmorinii

OVERVIEW

WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD900
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

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DETAILS

Care Instructions
Cucumbers require bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. They thrive in moderate temperatures and prefer a humid environment. Regular watering is essential, but the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between waterings to prevent root rot. Ensure the plant is protected from extreme temperatures and strong winds.
Harvest
Cucumis sativus, commonly known as cucumber, should be harvested when the fruits are firm, uniformly green, and have reached the desired size, typically 50-70 days after planting. Harvesting is best done in the morning when the fruits are cool and crisp. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the cucumbers from the vine, leaving a small stem attached to the fruit. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruits. Avoid letting cucumbers over-ripen on the vine as this can lead to bitterness and reduced plant productivity.
Soil
Cucumbers prefer well-draining loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root diseases. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal for cucumber growth.
Fertilizer
Cucumbers benefit from a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10 (N-P-K). Fertilize the plants every few weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit development.
Repotting
Cucumbers are typically grown directly in the ground or in large containers. If growing in containers, repotting is not usually necessary as they are annual plants. However, ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system and has good drainage.
Propagation
Cucumbers are propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds directly in the soil after the last frost date when the soil has warmed up. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and space them 12-18 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to the strongest plants once they have developed a few true leaves.
Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for cucumber plants to encourage better air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves and trim back excessive growth to focus the plant's energy on fruit production. Regularly check for and remove any suckers that develop in the leaf axils.
Toxicity
Cucumbers are not toxic to pets or humans. All parts of the plant, including the fruit, are safe to consume. However, the leaves and stems may cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.
Additional
Cucumbers can benefit from trellising or staking to keep the vines off the ground, which helps prevent diseases and makes harvesting easier. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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