How to Grow Cucumbers Indoors for Fresh Harvests Year-Round With adequate care, cucumbers can produce endless yields indoors. In This Article View All In This Article Varieties Planting Care Harvesting Storage FAQ Close Credit: Elvira Kashapova / Getty Images Cucumbers are a welcome addition to gardens, thriving with minimal care and producing abundant fruits for salads, juice, and more. While your outdoor cucumber plants have likely gone dormant for the season, it's still possible to enjoy a bounty of crunchy, homegrown cucumbers. Although they are commonly thought of as a summer crop, with the right conditions and a little vertical space, cucumbers can thrive indoors year-round. Ahead, garden experts share how best to produce a thriving cucumber plant from the comfort of your home. Harrison Meekins, M.S., a grower specialist with Sun Gro Horticulture Tammy Sons, master gardener and founder of TN Nursery, a leading tree and plant nursery Best Indoor Cucumber Varieties Indoor and outdoor cucumber varieties can vary greatly in yield, growth habit, and care requirements, says Harrison Meekins, a grower specialist with Sun Gro Horticulture. For indoor growing, he recommends compact, parthenogenetic varieties—meaning they do not require pollination—such as Bush Companion and Spacemaster 80. Tammy Sons, master gardener and founder of TN Nursery, agrees, adding that short, bush types are ideal for indoor growing. Don't Miss How to Grow Cucumbers in Pots and Containers, According to Horticulturists From Big and Crisp to Small and Sweet: 7 Types of Cucumbers and How to Use Each How to Plant Cucumbers Indoors Planting cucumbers indoors is relatively straightforward, but they need the right container, soil, and sunlight levels to germinate and thrive. Our experts recommend following these basic steps to plant cucumbers indoors. Select a container: Choose a container with a depth of at least 12 inches and an adequate number of drainage holes, says Meekins. Larger containers are ideal if you want more abundant yields. Choose the right soil: Select a potting soil that drains well while still retaining adequate nutrients. Plant the seeds: Plant each seed at a depth approximately twice its diameter. "Ensure that the soil is moist before planting, and that the moisture level remains high until the seed sprouts," says Meekins. Or plant transplants: For transplants, ensure the soil is moist and the depth of the transplant is even with the soil line in the container. "Unlike tomatoes, cucumbers do not put out adventitious roots, so planting too deep can increase the chances of disease and rot," Meekins warns. Water the plant: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, as standing water can lead to root rot. Gradually dial the moisture level back as the seedling develops. Add a trellis: As the plant develops, consider trellising or using cages for support. Even compact varieties can benefit from this, says Meekins. Provide adequate sunlight and warmth: Cucumbers prefer a warm environment, says Sons. "So, I keep the pots near a sunny window or under grow lights that shine at least 12 to 14 hours per day," she adds. How to Care for Cucumbers Indoors With adequate care, cucumbers can produce abundant harvests indoors. Water Cucumbers prefer consistent moisture, but too much can cause issues like root rot. As a general rule, water your cucumber plants when the top inch of soil feels dry. Sunlight These fruits need six to eight hours of full sun to thrive indoors. That said, Meekins recommends exposing newly planted seeds to partial sunlight for a week, then gradually introducing them to increasing amounts of sunlight as they mature, a process known as hardening off. (Transplants are hardened off already, so they can immediately take full sun). Soil When grown indoors, cucumbers need nutrient-rich, somewhat acidic, and well-draining potting soil. Meekins recommends Fafard Ultra Container Mix. Temperature Ideal temperatures for cucumber plants are around 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, says Meekins. He adds that heat stress can occur at temperatures above 85 degrees. Fertilizer Most fruit or vegetable plants require adequate nutrients to support high yields. "Start with a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio around 1:1:1," says Meekins. "Then switch to something heavier in phosphorus and potassium once flowers are present." Avoid adding too much nitrogen, as it can cause plants to produce more foliage than fruit. How to Harvest Cucumbers Pick cucumbers when they reach full size, typically around 6 to 8 inches. "Pick before they get too big and ensure that they’re still firm and green," says Meekins. Use clean scissors or a knife to prevent the transmission of diseases. Do not pull the cucumbers off because you risk damaging the plant. How to Store The refrigerator is the best place to store cucumbers. However, be aware that cucumbers are sensitive to temperature changes, so store them in the warmest drawer of your fridge. Frequently Asked Questions Do cucumbers grow well indoors? Yes, cucumbers can grow exceptionally well indoors if cared for properly. Select the right varieties and provide enough light (consider using a grow light for supplemental light), nutrients, and water to ensure rapid growth. How long can a cucumber plant live indoors? When grown indoors, cucumbers can live year-round if all their needs and care requirements are met. What not to do when growing cucumbers? Avoid overwatering, poor air flow, and low light. "These conditions favor pathogens and reduce yields," Meekins warns. Do not disturb the roots unless you step up to larger containers. A grow light is highly encouraged, Meekins adds. Explore more: Garden Container Garden Ideas