Cucumber

Basic Information

Seed Number

7

Seed Name

Cucumber

Variety

Cucamelon

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Cucamelon / Mexican sour gherkin

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 7

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jul 15

Plantable Months

April, May, June, July

Indoor Start

Apr 7 – Apr 14

Direct Sow

May 15 – Jul 15

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

4 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

7–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

65–75 days from direct seeding

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

75-95°F

Planting Depth

1/4 in

Plant Spacing

12-18 in

Row Spacing

5-6 ft

Thin-To Spacing

12-18 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

About 1 in/week; keep soil consistently moist during flowering and fruiting

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; warm soil

Minimum Container Size

5 gal with trellis

Plant Height

Vining; about 6-10 ft

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

Yes

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow or start indoors 2–3 weeks early
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 20 – Jul 20
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 50–75 days
Container Friendly: Yes, 5+ gal with trellis
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary
Succession / Reusable Notes: Succession sow every 2–3 weeks through mid-July.
Zone 6B Notes: Warm soil improves germination. Trellis to save space.
Companion Plants: Dill, beans, peas, corn, radish, nasturtium, marigold, calendula, sunflower
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Potatoes, aromatic herbs crowded at roots
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Direct sow after frost once soil is warm, or start 3-4 weeks indoors for an earlier harvest. Protect from cool spring soil.
Germination: Warm soil improves germination. Avoid disturbing roots when transplanting.
Harvest: Harvest grape-sized fruits while firm and green, before they become overripe or seedy.
Seed Saving: Allow selected fruits to become fully mature before extracting, washing and drying seeds.
Special Care: Provide a trellis for the vigorous fine-stemmed vines.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/cucumber-mexican-sour-gherkin — 7-14 day germination, 65-75 day maturity, depth, spacing and temperature
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/cucumbers/specialty-cucumbers/mexican-sour-gherkin-cucumber-seed-3174.html — 3-4 week indoor start, transplant spacing and maturity qualifier
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]