Light

Sunlight

Cucumbers thrive in hot conditions, require sunlight and warm weather, and have little cold tolerance.

They need at least six sun hours a day. However, the temperature should not exceed 85F (30C) on average. If a plant gets too hot, it gets stressed out and produces bitter fruit.

My square foot garden receives all-day sun. However, because of the hot summer sun, I have covered the top of the growing area with shade cloth to protect the plants.

Shade cloth does, however, allow sufficient sunlight through on colder days to enable photosynthesis to take place (see the light sub-section in the  Micro-ecosystem page).