What's The Average Lifespan Of Cucumber Plants?

The cucumber, and its briny offspring the pickle, are ubiquitous in salads, sandwiches, and recipes of all kinds, but how much do we really know about this bulbous plant? For example, did you know that botanically-speaking, cucumbers are a fruit, not a vegetable? Or how about the fact that there are many, many different varieties of cucumber out there? When it comes to raising cucumbers in a home garden, we might know even less. But how long should we expect them to last? The answer is approximately 60 to 90 days. 

Cucumbers are a great option for those looking to grow plants at home because they are pretty easy to cultivate and they provide multiple harvests over the season (roughly June to November, depending on climate).

There are of course a lot of variables when it comes to a plant's life cycle, such as temperature, amount of water and sunlight, and other environmental factors can affect development. But, by and large, the range of two to three months is how long you should expect your cucumber plants to be viable. Keep in mind that they will start producing harvestable cucumbers in 50 to 70 days or so, depending on the cucumber variety, so you should be prepared for multiple harvests.

Cucumbers are annuals (as opposed to perennials) meaning that they complete their entire lifecycle during their season, and must be planted again the following year. If you want to ensure that your cucumber plants last as long as possible throughout that season, there are a few things you can keep in mind. 

First of all, be sure to harvest your cucumbers regularly. You'll want to start harvesting when the cukes are 6—7 inches long (and shorter for pickling varieties). While they can get quite a bit larger if they stay on the vine, you shouldn't wait too long or they'll become soft and overripe. Harvesting regularly keeps your cucumber plant producing throughout its life cycle. 

Also, be on the lookout for disease. Cucumbers are prone to fungal diseases such as alterneria leaf blight. The best way to fight against this is by pruning — clip off the affected area of the plant to stop the disease from spreading and keep the rest of your plants healthy. And be sure to use a fungicide. Finally, ensure that your cucumber plants are kept at an optimal temperature. Those below 65 degrees Fahrenheit can harm or kill cucumber plants, as can temperatures above 95 degrees.

Now that you know how to keep your plants alive, there are some cool and creative ways to use cucumbers.