Garden Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
- Native to:
- Bangladesh, China, Guam, Myanmar, Nepal, Palau, Thailand
Maathavan
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cucurbitaceae
- Genus:
- Cucumis
- Species:
- Cucumis sativus
- USDA Symbol:
- CUSA4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★★☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica), Armyworm moth (Pseudaletia unipuncta), Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), Cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), Celery leaftier (Udea rubigalis), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), cucumber moth (Diaphania indica-complex), European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), Euxoa tessellata, Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), Gothic dart (Feltia subgothica), melonworm moth (Diaphania hyalinata), pickleworm (Diaphania nitidalis), Soybean Looper (Pseudoplusia includens), Squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae), Variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia), Yellow-striped armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to subtropical regions with fertile soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 3–10 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best at soil temperatures of 70-95°F (21-35°C). Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.