HOW TO GROW CUCUMBER (KHEERA) IN CONTAINERS/ POTS

 

 

Cucumber, commonly known as Kheera in India, normally used raw for salad throughout the world.  It is easy to grow in containers but requires plenty of vertical space and can be tricky to grow.

 

SEASON/ TEMPERATURE

Cucumber thrives in heat and humidity as it is a warm season crop.  It requires warm temperature to grow quickly and needs 8 hours of direct sunlight.

 

PROPAGATION

Sow seeds directly in the container to avoid disturbance to the root system while transplanting.  They will germinate in approximately 4-7 days.

 

WATERING

Water your plant regularly but do not overwater.  Keep soil moist as it develops best when soil moisture remains even.  A mature plant requires plenty of water.  Don’t let soil to dry out as it affects the growth of your plant.

 

CONTAINER/ POT SIZE

Minimum container size recommended is 12” H x 10” W with lots of unobstructed drainage holes to allow excess water to leave.

 

SOIL

It grows best in loose well-drained potting soil with lots of organic matter.  Equal parts of planting mix and potting soil will work.

 

FERTILIZER

Best is to use organic fertilizers in growing season. A 5-10-5 fertilizer in an interval of 30 – 45 days is fine.  If your plant is giving you satisfactory results then no need to fertilize it often.

 

CARE

Check for pickle worms, cucumber beetles and Aphids.  Best is to use Neem Oil or organic pesticides to drive away the insects.

 

IT REQUIRES SUPPORT
Trellis or Stake is must for vine variety however it will help bush variety too.  I will share some ideas on how to making trellis in my next posts as this is a must for all vine variety plants.

 

HARVESTING

Cucumbers are ready to harvest within 50 – 80 days after planting (depending upon the variety you have chosen).  Pick them fresh when they start to ripen.  Pick them up regularly as matured fruits can become bitter.  Remove fruits by cutting with the help of scissor or sharp knife as the vines are sensitive.  Pulling the fruits can damage the vine and will not be able to produce more fruits.  Keep 1 or 2 fruits up to full maturity for seeds.

 

Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

 

Happy container gardening.

 

WARNING: ANY PESTICIDES SPRAYED/ USED ON PLANTS CAN BE HARMFUL.  ALWAYS CHECK WARNING LABEL BEFORE APPLYING ANY CHEMICAL TO A PLANT.  WASH YOUR FRUITS, VEGETABLES THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMING.