Do Cucumber Plants Need Support?

Growing Season

• Cucumbers are sensitive plants and cannot grow in cold weather or soil. The University of Minnesota Extension notes that cucumber seeds won't germinate in cold soil, while the Ohio State University Extension suggests waiting for air temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees F. These temperatures support the best starts for both seeds and seedlings.

Growing Habit

• Cucumbers grow long, reaching vines, which bear lush foliage, flowers and fruits. In most cultivars, the vines grow along the ground or up a trellis, fence or arbor. Cucumbers reach maturity in 45 to 65 days, depending on cultivar, and bear repeat harvests.

Site and Soil

• Cucumbers require support from both site and soil to grow and produce their fruit harvest. Plant them in areas with full sunshine and good air circulation. Amend the soil with organic compost giving the plants rich, loamy soil. Mix 5-10-10 or 8-16-16 granular fertilizer into the soil before planting for more nutritional support. This fertilizer application encourages quick root production and establishment.

Trellis

• According to North Carolina State University, trellised cucumber plants produce straighter, healthier fruit. Trellising provides more protection for the plant, controls soilborne diseases and pests, and makes the harvest quicker and easier. Cucumbers may fail without a trellis with rotting foliage and leaves. Put a 6-foot tall post-and-wire trellis system behind each row for growing support. Tie the cucumber stems and vines to the trellis with twine or cord as they grow and train them along the wires. Hanging cucumbers get better sun and air circulation for healthy, disease-free growth.

Water, Mulch, Fertilizer

• The Ohio State University Extension notes that cucumbers require adequate moisture through the season to support their growth. Irrigating each plant with 2 inches of water every week maintains soil moisture and 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch keeps the soil moist and warm. The University of Minnesota Extension suggests 46-0-0 or 27-3-3 granular fertilizer at midseason to support cucumber blooming and fruit set.