Growing Cucumbers in Australia: Tips for a Bountiful Harvest

Best Cucumber Varieties for Australia

Cucumbers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the most popular varieties to grow in Australia include:

• Lebanese Cucumbers: Small, thin-skinned, and sweet, perfect for salads.
• Continental Cucumbers: Long, smooth, and ideal for slicing.
• Apple Cucumbers: Round with crisp, white flesh.
• Pickling Cucumbers: Short and firm, perfect for pickling.
• Qukes (Mini Cucumbers): Small, crunchy, and ideal for snacking.

When to Plant Cucumbers in Australia

Cucumbers thrive in warm, sunny conditions and do best when daytime temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C. Avoid planting during frost periods, as cucumbers are highly susceptible to cold.

• Northern Australia: Cucumbers can be planted almost year-round.
• Southern Australia: Plant cucumbers in spring after the last frost or early summer for best results.

Preparing the Soil

Cucumbers prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Before planting, improve the soil by working organic matter into the top 20–30 cm — compost, aged manure, or a soil amendment like Super Charged Humus Powder or ViAGrow.

💡 Most common soil mistake: Compaction:

Cucumbers struggle in heavy, tight, clay-like soil. Compaction restricts oxygen and water movement, leading to weak, shallow roots, poor vigour and low productivity.

Fix: Loosen the soil and add organic matter

Soil amendments high in humic and fulvic acids (like Super Charged Humus Powder and ViAGrow) help break up compaction and increase soil carbon.

• Super Charged Humus Powder is a powerful biostimulant made from liberated lignite, also known as "Magic Dirt." This product increases soil organics and boosts nutrient availability, making it ideal for enhancing soil health and encouraging vigorous plant growth. Its high humic and fulvic acid content improves water retention and supports beneficial soil microbes, creating an optimal environment for cucumber plants to thrive.
• ViAGrow is a nutritionally complete soil enhancer that stimulates microbial activity and nutrient absorption, helping plants make the most of the nutrients available. Rich in humic and fulvic acids, sulfur, and trace minerals, ViAGrow supports robust root growth and enhances the resilience of cucumber plants against environmental stresses. Available in powder and granule form, it’s a versatile addition to any garden.

Healthy soil structure = stronger vines from Day 1.

How to Plant Cucumbers

• Spacing: Plant cucumber seeds about 1 cm deep, spacing them 30 cm apart in rows that are 90-120 cm apart. For vining cucumbers, a trellis is ideal to save space and prevent the fruit from rotting on the ground.
• Watering: Cucumbers need consistent moisture, so water regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal issues.
• Mulching: Apply mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Growing Qukes (Mini Cucumbers)

Qukes are a smaller, fast-growing cucumber variety that’s perfect for snacking. They're incredibly productive and can be grown in pots or garden beds. Just like larger cucumbers, qukes need plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, and consistent watering. Because of their compact size, they’re ideal for small gardens or balconies.

For those growing qukes, we have an exciting YouTube video with renowned horticultural scientist Craig Perring, who tested our UGF 6in1 Organic Liquid Fertiliser on his qukes. Craig Perring has visited over 1,000 farms and nurseries in his 20-year career. Starting as a landscaper, Craig has worked with everything from fruits and veggies to ornamental plants and turf. Initially sceptical, Craig was blown away by the results after fortnightly applications of UGF 6in1. Watch the full video below.

Fertilising Your Cucumbers

Cucumbers are heavy feeders. Regularly apply a balanced liquid fertiliser, like UGF 6in1, to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.

💡 Most common fertilising mistake:
Applying too much nitrogen early in the season, especially from fresh manure (rather than aged manure) or high nitrogen synthetic fertilisers (like some lawn fertilisers or urea). 

These products create a nitrogen spike, which pushes leaf and vine growth but can delay or reduce fruiting — resulting in big lush leaves and very few cucumbers.

Instead:

1. Focus on soil health and root development early on. 
2. Once vines start running and flowers appear, fertilise more regularly.

UGF6in1 can be used at all stages — even at planting. Because it's biologically active and carbon-rich, nutrients are released steadily, supporting growth without the harsh nitrogen surge that can delay fruiting.

Our 6-in-1 formula works as a growth stimulant, root hormone, organic fertiliser, plant tonic, soil conditioner and microbial booster, making it the perfect all-rounder for cucumber plants. This balanced profile feeds the entire plant — supporting strong vines, better flowering and consistent fruit production throughout the season.

Balanced nutrition = leaves AND fruit.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Common issues include:

• Aphids and whiteflies, which can be controlled with organic insecticidal soap or beneficial insects like ladybugs.
• Powdery mildew, a fungal disease that thrives in humid conditions. To prevent this, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
• Cucumber beetles, which can be managed with row covers or natural insecticides.

Harvesting Your Cucumbers

Cucumbers should be harvested when they reach their mature size for the variety. Don’t wait too long, as overripe cucumbers can become bitter. Regular harvesting also encourages the plant to produce more fruit. Pick cucumbers early in the morning for the best texture and flavour.

Tips for a Successful Cucumber Harvest

1. Trellising: Growing cucumbers vertically on a trellis not only saves space but improves airflow, reducing the risk of diseases.
2. Succession planting: To ensure a continuous harvest, plant cucumber seeds every couple of weeks.
3. Pollination: Cucumbers need pollinators like bees. You can also hand-pollinate if necessary. Hand pollination can boost yields when bee activity is low — especially for early-season cucumbers or indoor growers. Transfer pollen using a cotton bud or small paintbrush from male to female flowers.

Get Growing!

Cucumbers are easy to grow and a great addition to any garden. Whether you're growing classic varieties or experimenting with mini cucumbers (qukes), following these tips will help you achieve a bountiful harvest. For more expert tips and growing advice, be sure to check out our YouTube channel

Want To Achieve Up To 50% More Growth Too? Don’t forget to try UGF 6in1 Organic Liquid Fertiliser for better results than leading commercial grade seaweed, as proven by Craig Perring’s split test. Click the image below.