Cucumis sativus (Cucumber)

Botanical name

Cucumis sativus

Other names

Cucumber, Ridge cucumber

Genus

Cucumis Cucumis

Species

C. sativus - C. sativus is a perennial plant widely cultivated as an annual in many varieties. It produces bright yellow flowers which then form long, thin, slightly ribbed, dark-green fruit in summer.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming, Irregular

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Colour

Flower

Yellow in Summer

Foliage

Cream, Mottled, Green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Eelworm (stem and bulb) , Mice , Red spider mite (box and other) , Slugs , Snails

Specific diseases

Anthracnose diseases , Basal rot , Black rot , Mosaic virus , Foot and root rot , Grey mould , Powdery mildew , Sclerotinia diseases , Verticillium wilt

General care

Pruning

Fertilization is essential, so never remove the male flowers.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Add to salads, Beds and borders, Flavouring food and drinks, Greenhouse

Cultivation

Plant in deep, fertile, sandy soil. Cucumbers are not hardy - site in full sun in a sheltered position. Cucumber plants started under cover can be planted out once all danger of frost is past. Disturb the roots as little as possible.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Cucumis sativus (Cucumber)

Common pest name

Apple root knot nematode

Scientific pest name

Meloidogyne mali

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Unknown

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

UK (along with certain other European countries) received potentially infested trees in 1992; but these were destroyed at the end of the trial period and targeted surveillance has failed to find any trace of the nematode. Main impacts are on elm; apple and mulberry and industry should source such material carefully.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Cucumis sativus (Cucumber)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Cucumis sativus (Cucumber)

Common pest name

Soybean looper

Scientific pest name

Chrysodeixis includens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous insect pest; present in the Americas; with the potential to be damaging to UK glasshouse crops; particularly tomatoes

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/