Commercial
Production of Pickling &
Slicing Cucumbers in North Carolina
The purpose of this outline is to pull together in a readily usable form pertinent points made in this publication. Dates for this production plan are for the coastal plain area for spring-planted cucumbers. Growers located farther west need to delay these dates one to four weeks.
As early as practical in the fall
1. Select a field that has not had cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupes, pumpkins, or squash for two to three years. The field should be fertile, well drained, and uniform.
2. Note predominate weed species and check susceptible crop roots for root-knot nematode presence.
3. Take soil samples for nematode assay and fertilizer recommendations.
4. Apply lime and incorporate, if recommended.
By April 1
1. Have soil turned and disked as necessary to cover plant refuse.
By April 15
1. Broadcast recommended fertilizer, plus soil insecticide, if necessary, and disk in.
2. Apply nematicide (if recommended) and form rows.
3. Wait 10 to 14 days before planting if treated with certain nematicides. (Some nematicides require no waiting period.)
Between April 15 and 30, or when the average soil temperatures reach 60 0F at a 4-inch depth and remain for one week
1. "Strike-off" bed top and seed 1/2- to 3/4-inch deep.
2. Sow seed. Before planting, consider plant type and harvest method (hand harvest or machine harvest).
3. Apply herbicide. (Note, preplant herbicides should have been incorporated before seeding.)
When seedlings have completely emerged
1. Scout for disease and insects. If present, apply a recommended insecticide and fungicide. Additional applications should be geared to insect and disease pressure.
2. Scout field thoroughly and at least weekly.
When plants are 4- to 6-leaf stage
Sidedress with 20 to 30 pounds per acre of actual nitrogen. Additional sidedressing will be necessary after heavy, leaching rains.
When blooming is evident (about May 20 to 30)
Place bees in field.
Starting between May 30 and June 10
1. Harvest cucumbers at least three times each week.
2. Allow small fruit to reach at least 1/2 inch in diameter before picking.
3. Do not hold harvested fruit overnight or expose them to hot sun.
Throughout growing season
1. Provide supplemental irrigation, if necessary, to supply a total of about 1 inch of water per week.
2. Provide 2 inches of water per week at flowering and during fruit development.
3. Maintain an insect and disease spray program consistent with pest population pressure as determined by weekly field scouting by a qualified scout.