Climate

Cucumber is warm season crop and can be grown in tropical and sub-tropical climatic condition. Optimum growth of the vine does not take place during winter months. Cucumber is highly susceptible to frost. Optimum temperature range is 25-35°. Temperature beyond 35°C may lead to reduction in number of female flowers and hence yield is affected.

Seed Rate

250 Gms per Acre

Sowing Distance

Cucumber can be sown with and without staking. Staking helps in good aeration and ultimately helps in improvement of fruit quality. Following spacing is recommended for planting cucumber:

Row to Row – 75 to 150 Cms

Plant to Plant – 30 to 60 Cms

Manures and Fertilizers

For good yield 10 to 15 tonnes of well decomposed manure should be applied in the main field. General fertilizer recommendation for cucumber per acre for optimum yield is N – 100 Kgs, P – 80 Kgs, K – 80 to 100 Kgs.

Half the dose of N and full dose of P and K should be applied as basal dose. Rest half of the nitrogen should be applied in three split doses at 15, 30 and 45 days after sowing. It is also recommended to apply Boron and Calcium as per the soil fertility.

Irrigation

Depending on the soil moisture and climate conditions irrigate the field once in 3 to 5 days

Good Practices

• Optimum irrigation to avoid bitterness
• Staking of plants for more yield and good quality fruits
• Pre-emptive prevention of fungal and viral diseases