UK sowing calendar
When to sow cucumbers in the UK
Cucumbers sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Feb-Apr |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Direct sow/plant out ridge types late May-Jun |
| Harvest | Jul-Oct |
Tender — sow in warmth (heated greenhouse mid-Feb-mid-Mar, unheated greenhouse Apr). Greenhouse types crop longest; outdoor (ridge) types are hardier but should only be planted out from early June once nights are reliably above 12C.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for cucumbers.
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When to sow cucumbers in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow cucumbers in the UK?
Sow cucumbers under cover Feb-Apr, then outdoors direct sow/plant out ridge types late may-jun. Tender — sow in warmth (heated greenhouse mid-Feb-mid-Mar, unheated greenhouse Apr). Greenhouse types crop longest; outdoor (ridge) types are hardier but should only be planted out from early June once nights are reliably above 12C.
Can you sow cucumbers outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant cucumbers outdoors direct sow/plant out ridge types late may-jun. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is cucumbers ready to harvest in the UK?
Cucumbers is typically harvested Jul-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow cucumbers?
It depends on the month and your region. Cucumbers has a UK outdoor window of direct sow/plant out ridge types late may-jun; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.