When to plant cucumbers

Cucumbers (warm-season vine crop) is classed very tender in the cited extension guidance. The timing rules below are relative to your local freeze dates — enter a location to turn them into calendar dates.

The rules this site applies
MethodFrost-relative windowRule & reconciliation
Start seeds indoors2–1 weeks before the median last spring freezeSow in individual pots 3–4 weeks before the outdoor window opens (UNH 3–4 weeks; Missouri G6570 3–5 weeks, sown directly in pots).
Transplant outdoors2–4 weeks after the median last spring freezeUNH allows setting out 1–2 weeks after frost; Purdue's very-tender class (at least 2 weeks after) is the more conservative and is used.
Direct-sow outdoors2–4 weeks after the median last spring freezePurdue: very tender — sow at least two weeks after the average last frost (UNH adds: when soil reaches 70°F). Penn State's earliest sowing (May 11 for a May 1 frost) is slightly earlier; the later Purdue rule is used.

Seed germination soil temperature: optimum 95°F (optimum range 60–95°F); minimum 60°F, maximum 105°F. Purdue HO-186-W Table 3. Cold soil below the minimum rots seed — a reason windows and soil readings both matter.

Variety assumption: Assumes an average slicing variety (about 55–70 days from seed; Penn State lists 70).

Crop rule sources (4)
Reviewed city pages for cucumbers
Related crops

Melons & cantaloupe · Pumpkins · Summer squash & zucchini · Watermelon · Winter squash · Basil