How to Grow Cucumbers in Pots and Tips for the Early Seedling Stage
Cucumbers have a crisp, sweet flavor, and they grow very vigorously, so growing cucumbers in pots on a balcony is a great choice. Sowing cucumbers is also very simple. Below, the editors of Juqiao.com will introduce the seedling care tips for growing cucumbers in pots on a balcony!
Basic Information About Cucumbers
| Chinese Name | Cucumber |
|---|---|
| Growing Difficulty | Average |
| Cycle | About 60 days |
| Main Diseases | Downy mildew, powdery mildew, brown spot, anthracnose, gray mold |
| Main Pests | Aphids, root-knot nematodes, whiteflies, spider mites |
1. Space Needed for Growing Cucumbers
As cucumbers grow taller, their leaves also get bigger, so make sure to provide about 30 cm of diameter as growing space. The size of the planter can be chosen according to the number of seedlings.
Choose a planter that is easy to grow in!
For those who want to grow cucumbers more easily, it is best to choose a planter that makes it easy to stand up supports. In addition, to make drainage easier, the bottom of the planter is best if it is mesh-like, or has a good drainage system.
2. Recommended Soil for Cucumber Cultivation
Grow cucumber seedlings in a sunny, well-drained spot, and they can fight off diseases and pests well! The soil used each time you plant seedlings should be new. The "vegetable growing soil" sold on the market can be used directly, which is simple and convenient for beginners.
Since cucumbers like nutrients, it is recommended to use original soil containing fertilizer from the start. If you use ordinary soil, it is best to mix in fermented chicken manure or similar as raw fertilizer.
In addition, cucumbers like highly drained soil. It is recommended to use "vegetable growing soil" to drain the soil. Even with ordinary soil, if you put some stones at the bottom of the planter, drainage will be good.
3. Suitable Environment for Cucumber Seedlings
Planting Time and Suitable Temperature
From late April to early May, when the worry of late frost disappears, is the best time to plant seedlings. Cucumbers are harvested about 7 days after the flowers bloom, so be careful not to miss the harvest time.
The optimum temperature for cucumber germination is 25°C to 35°C. The best temperature for growth is 22 to 28°C during the day and 17 to 18°C at night, so it can be said to be a relatively easy vegetable to grow.
Cucumbers like sunny places, so when there is insufficient sunlight, growth becomes worse. Place them on a sunny balcony.
In addition, if the wind is strong, it is very likely to cause the plant to break, so it is best to design some measures to eliminate strong wind, such as fixing the supports to the railing. During the rainy season, pay attention to improving ventilation.
4. Cucumber Seedlings
Beginners are advised to buy seedlings rather than seeds. Standards for good seedlings:
Three to four true leaves
Two leaves firm and steady
Plenty of soil around the roots
Well-developed roots
Dark leaf color, no pest damage
The above are the tips for growing cucumber seedlings in pots compiled by the editors of Juqiao.com. About 2 months after planting the seedlings, you can harvest delicious cucumbers.