FARMER'S BOOKSHELF
An
information system of crops in Hawaii
Department of Horticulture
University of Hawaii at Manoa
CUCUMBER (updated 25.7.00)
Climatic Requirements
Cucumber
can be grown year round in Hawaii, as it is essentially a warm weather
crop. Best growth is obtained when the temperature is 70F or higher.
Temperatures below 60 F or above 90 F slow growth.
Cultivars
Varieties to Plant
Hybrid
cucumbers such as Lehua, Gemini-7, Triumph, Challenger, and Burpee
produce well in Hawaii. Patio Pik, a variety with compact plant type,
can be used for small areas or pot culture in 3-to-5-gallon containers.
Seed Availability
Seed
of Lehua hybrid is available from the Department of Horticulture of
the University of Hawaii and at some garden shops. Seed of other varieties
and hybrids is available from garden shops or from mainland seed companies.
Culture
Soil Requirements and Preparation
Cucumbers
can be grown on any soil type that has a high water-holding capacity
and good drainage with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Application of 10
to 20 pounds per 100 square feet of manure or compost will improve
the soil condition and fertility. Work the soil to break up any hardpan
and then work in the manure or compost to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
If nematodes are present, fumigate after soil preparation and allow
2 to 3 weeks before planting.
Cultivation and Irrigation
Weed whenever necessary
when the cucumber plants are small. Weeding will become more difficult
when the plant starts to vine. Use shallow cultivation to avoid injury
to the cucumber roots. Frequency of irrigation is largely dependent
upon soil type and we ather conditions. In general, lighter soils require
more frequent irrigation than heavier soils. If pot culture is used
in growing cucumbers, daily watering is necessary after the plant begins
to set fruit.
Disease
Control
Disease commonly
affecting cucumber are damping-off, nematodes, powdery mildew, and mosaic
viruses. Damping-off and nematodes can be controlled by planting in
clean soil or treating the soil with captan-terrachlor for damping-off
and with nematicide for n ematodes. Powdery mildew can be controlled
by using maneb, zineb, or copper fungicides. Watermelon mosaic virus
may be a problem in certain areas at various times of the year. Lehua
hybrid is highly resistant to this virus and should be grown where it
is a problem.
CAUTION: When using pesticides, always read the label and
follow the directions carefully.
Fertilization
A
general garden fertilizer such as 10-30-10 can be applied at the rate
of 2 to 3 pounds per 100 square feet. One-half of the fertilizer should
be applied at planting, placed 2 to 3 inches away from the seed and
3 inches below in a single band. The remain ing half of the fertilizer
can be applied 3 to 4 weeks later. Additional nitrogen may be applied
at the beginning of harvest to prolong vine vigor and fruit production.
Harvesting
Most cucumber varieties
will produce fruit ready for harvest in 50 to 60 days. Frequency of
harvest will depend on the vigor of the plant, the location, and the
time of year. Usually every other day or daily harvest is necessary
when the plants are growin g vigorously at the lower elevations during
the hot weather. Removing fruits as they mature will aid in maintaining
the plant vigor and productive capacity.
Insect Control
Insects commonly
attacking cucumbers are the melon fly, white fly, aphid, leaf miner,
and cut-worm. Some measure of control must be taken to ensure a successful
crop. A general purpose spray, available under various trade names at
garden shops, can be use d according to the directions on the label.
Diazinon, malathion, or naled
(Dibrom) can control
most of these insects. The best insect control practice is the use of
a regular spray schedule to prevent a build-up of insects. Bagging the
young fruit soon after pollinations with brown Kraft bags may help control
melon-fly damage.< P>
Planting
Cucumbers
are planted at the rate of 1 ounce of seed per 100 feet of row. Spacing
between rows should be from 4 to 5 feet and spacing between plants
should be from 15 to 18 inches. Plant seeds directly into the seedbed
at a depth of l/2 to 3/4 inch. Uprig ht trellises 5 to 8 feet high
should be constructed along the plant rows to support the vines. Trellising
will result in fewer fruits lost to soil rot and easier insect and
disease control.
