Here in Arizona where it regularly gets to 115F, we need to be careful about excessive heat. Cucumbers don’t mind humidity or moderate heat, so no worries there. To fight the excessive heat, plant in an area that is shaded for the hottest part of the day. The eastern edge of the shade from a tree works very well. Second best would be 30% shade cloth. Heat travels well, and shade needs to be somewhat substantial here for the plant to benefit. That being said, cucumbers also require a decent amount of sunlight to thrive.
To get the most benefit out of a shade tree, plant so that the area gets sun for 3-4 hours in the morning, and about the same in the afternoon. My plants are in white 5 gallon buckets this year (Edit: at least 15 gallons is recommended!), allowing me to move them from full sun in spring and early summer, to part shade between noon and 4pm in mid-summer and early fall. The sun sets at about 7pm in June. I do not move them every day, just when the season demands it, or when I think a storm may drop hail!
To help, here is a diagram.
Your shade tree should provide only part shade, so placing the plant near the edge of the canopy on its east side will mean direct sunlight when temperatures are cooler all morning, and less-scorching in the afternoon and evening. Being near the edge of your tree’s canopy means keeping the plant out of that deep, dark shade.
Keeping your cucumber vine near the east side of an awning with 30% shade cloth will mean direct sun in the morning when temperatures are cooler, and filtered shade for the rest of the day. In the afternoon, 3pm and later, your vine will be in the middle of the majority of the shade your awning provides, safe and sound.
Other plants this method works for (in zone 9A):
- Tomato
- Zucchini (and other forms of squash)
- Pumpkin
- Chiltepins (and all other peppers/chilies)
Using a tree is the most cost-effective solution, but nothing beats the control you get with shade cloth!
Have you had success shading your cucumber vines or other vegetables another way? Please let me know, I’m extremely interested to hear your story.
Thank you for reading, and happy gardening!
FAQs
Here in Arizona where it regularly gets to 115F, we need to be careful about excessive heat. Cucumbers don't mind humidity or moderate heat, so no worries there. To fight the excessive heat, plant in an area that is shaded for the hottest part of the day.
How to protect cucumber plants from heat? ›
Here in Arizona where it regularly gets to 115F, we need to be careful about excessive heat. Cucumbers don't mind humidity or moderate heat, so no worries there. To fight the excessive heat, plant in an area that is shaded for the hottest part of the day.
What temperature is too hot for cucumber plants? ›
Like all crops, cucumbers too have a preferred temperature range. As a warm season crop, the ideal temperature range for cucumbers is generally 21-26°C (70-80°F). However, the plants can withstand a wider range, if necessary, ranging from 15-29°C (60-85°F).
How often do you water cucumbers in 100 degree weather? ›
Give them full sun and plenty of space to grow, and train them on a trellis or fence. Cucumbers perform best with regular, deep watering once a week or so and with more frequency if the weather is very hot for a period of days. Inadequate or inconsistent moisture can cause oddly shaped or poor-tasting fruit.
Do I need to cover my cucumber plants? ›
Transplant cucumber 2 feet apart through black plastic for early maturity. Use row covers or hot caps to protect the plants when planting before the frost-free period. After the vines develop runners, side dress with additional nitrogen fertilizer. Irrigation should be deep and frequent.
What is the most heat tolerant cucumber? ›
Some recommended varieties include Triumph, Poinsett, Marketmore 76, and Lemon. I've also had success with Diva, Japanese, and Armenian. These varieties are known to produce good yields even in high temperatures and dry conditions.
How do you grow cucumbers in zone 9? ›
Grow in full sun up a trellis or framework to save space and keep the fruit clean. Needs ties to support it at first. Water regularly and fertilise to encourage growth.
Can cucumbers get too much sun? ›
For cucumbers craving that golden glow, south-facing windows are a jackpot, bathing them in direct sunlight. But watch out, too much sun can turn your cukes into crispy critters. If you notice the leaves throwing shade by turning brown, it's time to dial it back.
Do cucumbers like full sun or shade? ›
Select a site that gets full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day). Cucumbers like warmth and lots of light! Cucumbers require fertile soil. Prior to planting, add about 2 inches of aged manure and/or compost to the bed and work it into a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
Should I cut off dying cucumber leaves? ›
As the cucumbers grow, continue to remove any damaged plant leaves and be sure to harvest cucumbers as soon as they ripen. Leaving cucumbers on the plant too long can sap the vines of energy and reduce your harvest.
A moderate frost, with temperatures ranging from about 28°F to 32°F, necessitates a bit more precaution. In addition to tucking your plants in well with some frost cloth or cover, it's also a good idea to water your plants the evening before frost is expected to hit.
How to protect cucumber plants from being eaten? ›
Be sure to clean up detritus, including weeds, in the garden at the end of the growing season to avoid leaving any hidey-holes for the beetles to hibernate and overwinter in. Then in the spring after planting, cover the cukes with a lightweight floating row cover.
Can cucumbers be left in the heat? ›
Contrary to what you may think, cucumbers are most comfortable in a cool and dry environment that is warmer than refrigeration allows (50 to 55 degrees F). This is why we recommend storing them in the warmest zone of your refrigerator, like the door.
Can cucumber plants get too much sun? ›
For cucumbers craving that golden glow, south-facing windows are a jackpot, bathing them in direct sunlight. But watch out, too much sun can turn your cukes into crispy critters. If you notice the leaves throwing shade by turning brown, it's time to dial it back.
Is it normal for cucumber plants to wilt in the heat? ›
Cucumbers are like Goldilocks; they prefer conditions that are just right. Too much sun can scorch leaves, leaving them wilted and weary.
What can I spray on my cucumber plants? ›
Bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, or cypermethrin will control cucumber beetles, squash bugs, squash vine borers, and pickleworms, but wait 3, 7, or 1 days, respectively, after spraying and before harvest.
