Three indicators your cucumbers are ripe for plucking – premature harvest may spoil the delightful summer snack
Harvesting Your Juicy Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a delightful summer treat, but knowing when to pick them is crucial to avoid under-ripe or over-ripe fruit. If you're growing cucumbers, you'll be eagerly waiting for the harvest. Here are three signs to help you recognize when cucumbers are ripe and ready to be picked, whether you've planted them in the ground, in pots, or grown them vertically.
"Cucumbers are usually ready for harvest from mid-July through August. Some varieties keep producing right up until early autumn or even the first frost, so keep an eye out!" advises Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. For those growing cucumbers in greenhouses, they may mature slightly earlier due to the warmer conditions and can be planted as early as February.
1. Size Matters
Most slicing cucumbers are perfectly ready when they reach approximately 6 to 8 inches in length, or about the size of a standard ruler. For pickling varieties, the ideal size is generally between 2 to 4 inches, and smaller cucumbers are often sweeter and crunchier, so it's better to pick them early rather than too late. Regular harvesting is the secret to a long, productive cucumber season.
2. Check the Color
Cucumbers should be a deep green color, similar to the ones you see at the supermarket, with a shiny skin throughout their length. Pale green shades indicate that the cucumbers need a little more time to ripen. Avoid allowing the cucumbers to turn yellow or grow too large, as this often results in bitter fruit. The exception to this rule is lemon cucumbers, which are ripe when they are a pale yellow or lemon color.
3. Squeeze to Judge Firmness
Give your cucumbers a gentle squeeze, and they should feel firm. They should feel as firm as the cucumbers purchased from the supermarket. Touch is a reliable method for determining when to harvest cucumbers, especially for first-time gardeners.
Harvesting Cucumbers
In addition to knowing when to harvest cucumbers, it's essential to know how to harvest them properly. Cut the fruit from the vine using scissors or secateurs to avoid damaging the plant. Snip the stem about half a centimeter above the fruit, avoiding any twisting or pulling that could injure the plant. Regular picking every couple of days during peak season encourages continuous fruiting and helps prevent any cucumbers from becoming oversized. Be sure to check under leaves and every side of the pot to ensure you don't miss any hidden cucumbers. For the crispest cucumbers, harvest them in the morning when the air is cool.
For those who prefer buying established plants instead of starting from seeds, there are options available. Garden supply stores and nurseries like Home Depot, Armstrong Garden Centers, and True Leaf Market offer suitable plants for late summer harvest. Home Depot carries Bonnie Plants such as the 19 oz. Burpless Bush Hybrid Cucumber Plant and the Bonnie Plants 19 oz. Japanese Cucumber Plant, while Armstrong Garden Centers sells the Cucumber Bush Crop Vegie. For seed growers, True Leaf Market offers Summer Top Hybrid cucumber seeds, which provide multiple harvests over several weeks—perfect for late summer planting and harvest.
- To ensure a long and productive cucumber season, it's important to practice regular harvesting of your houseplants, especially during peak summer months.
- If you're looking to buy established cucumber plants for your home-and-garden, consider visiting stores like Home Depot or Armstrong Garden Centers, or try growing your own from seeds like the Summer Top Hybrid cucumber seeds available at True Leaf Market.
