How to Quicken the Ripening of Cucumbers

Plant cucumbers in the spring when the danger of frost has passed and soil temperature has risen to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds germinate slower at cooler temperatures, and seedlings may experience sluggish growth if planted before this time. Cucumbers thrive when soil temperature is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grow cucumbers vertically on a trellis, fence or similar support structure. This contains the vines and keeps the fruit clean and straight as they develop. Vertical cucumber growth dramatically increases yields because the vines receive better sunlight and air circulation.

Provide steady moisture. A constant water supply and a drip irrigation system are ideal for growing cucumbers. If an irrigation system is not possible, water deeply by applying at least one inch of water once a week. Cucumbers are heavy feeders, particularly when fruit production begins, and they require adequate moisture to grow fruit.

Cover the cucumber bed in black or brown plastic mulch. Cucumbers do best in warm, moist soil. A dark plastic mulch speeds up growth because it conserves soil moisture and encourages high soil temperature. In addition, the mulch wards off weeds.

Control weeds by trimming, cutting or hand pulling. Weeds that grow among cucumbers rob them of moisture and nutrients and can slow their growth or prevent fruit production.

Dress the cucumber plants with a balanced soluble fertilizer after they begin to blossom and set fruit. Lay fertilizer approximately 5 to 6 inches from the base of the plants at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet. This keeps the plants in production.

Harvest cucumbers frequently. A delayed harvest results in less productive plants because the mature fruits exhaust the plant's reserves.