Frequently Asked Questions About Cucumber Seeds
When to plant cucumber seeds?
Cucumber seeds do not like the cold. The best time to plant cucumber seeds is after the final frost in spring when the soil is warmer than 60° F. Check your area's weather patterns for the optimal planting time.
How to plant cucumber seeds?
First off, give your cucumber seeds an environment they can thrive in. Cucumber seeds do best in a location with full sun and with moist, rich soil. It is best to direct-sow cucumber seeds, as these plant roots do not tolerate transplanting very well. You can start indoors for an early jump on the season, but it is not recommended.
After the last frost in spring has passed, plant a few cucumber seeds an inch deep into the soil. Allow 18 to 36 inches of space between each plant. If planting a bush variety, you can plant seeds closer. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the cucumber seeds should begin to grow in just a few days!
How to harvest cucumber seeds?
To harvest cucumber seeds for storage and eventual planting, start by cutting open cucumbers lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out seeds and place them into a jar. Leave the seeds and pulp in the jar for one to three days to ferment; adjust the length of time based on how much you have. This will also separate the pulp from the seeds. Leave the jar open and in a warm room during fermentation. After the fermenting period, add water and stir. This will allow the lighter seeds and pulp to rise to the top, both of which you will discard. The heavier viable seeds will settle at the bottom. Rinse those seeds clean and leave them out to dry completely.
How to save cucumber seeds?
Once cucumber seeds are dry, place them in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry location out of sunlight. Cucumber seeds can be stored for up to five years.
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