As a gardener, it is fun to play around with different seeds and methods of propagation. For instance, cucumbers are a prolific and easy-to-grow crop with many varietals. Once you have a successful crop, many gardeners save seeds for the successive year’s planting. In lieu of saving your own seeds, however, what about grocery store cucumber seeds? Can you plant a grocery store cucumber? Interestingly, there are a couple of theories on seeds from a store-bought cucumber.
Can You Plant a Grocery Store Cucumber?
The answer to using seeds from a store-bought cucumber isn’t black or white. In theory, yes, you could plant seeds from a store-bought cucumber but the likelihood of them ever fruiting is doubtful.
If you were successful in getting grocery store cucumber seeds to germinate, chances are you would not get anything resembling the cucumber you culled the seeds from. Why? Grocery store cucumbers are F1 hybrids which means they won’t “breed true.” This means they are comprised of two or more different varieties, so who knows what you might get.
More on Seeds from a Store-Bought Cucumber
As if this isn’t enough to cast doubt on the veracity of growing cucumbers from grocery store cucumber seeds, the fruit is generally harvested and sold well before it is ripe. To obtain seeds from a cucumber it needs to be fully ripe. That is, the cuke will be yellow to orange and burgeoning; practically bursting.
All that said, the idea of growing cucumbers from a purchased cucumber is possible, maybe. Don’t get your cucumber from the supermarket. Instead, buy heirloom cucumbers from a farmers’ market. These will be more likely to “breed true.”
Cut the cukes in half lengthwise to extract the seeds. Scoop them out and allow them to ferment in water for one to three days to remove the pulp from the seeds.
Once you have extracted the seeds from the pulp, plant them in full sun with fertile soil an inch (2.5 cm.) under the soil, spaced 18 to 36 inches (46-91 cm.) apart. Keep the soil moist and cross your fingers.
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If the cucumber experiment works, you should see seedlings in five to ten days. If, however, you decide not to experiment and would rather grow a sure thing, purchase nursery or store-bought cucumber seeds, which can often be had for very little cost.
FAQs
In theory, yes, you could plant seeds from a store-bought cucumber but the likelihood of them ever fruiting is doubtful. If you were successful in getting grocery store cucumber seeds to germinate, chances are you would not get anything resembling the cucumber you culled the seeds from.
Do you have to dry cucumber seeds before planting? ›
Once the seeds have been rinsed clean, set the seeds out to dry on coffee filters or old window screens until they pass the snap test.
How do you know if cucumber seeds are good for planting? ›
One method to check for seed viability is the water test. Take the seeds and place them in a container of water. Let the seeds sit for 15 minutes. If the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, discard, because they probably will not sprout.
How many cucumber seeds to plant at once? ›
Plant 4-6 cucumber seeds directly in the garden when soils are 65°F. Seeds should be planted 1 inch deep, 12-18 inches apart, in rows 4 feet apart. Thin after emergence to two plants per location.
Can you grow cucumbers from seeds inside? ›
Luckily, they are easy to start indoors and each plant yields a lot of fruit. Cucumbers are easy to grow indoors and started them 4-6 weeks before May 7 will give a convenient jump start to the season. Plant the seeds about a half inch deep in 3″ pots. I recommend only planting 1-2 seeds per pot as they grow quickly.
Can I plant cucumber seeds from store bought? ›
In theory, yes, you could plant seeds from a store-bought cucumber but the likelihood of them ever fruiting is doubtful. If you were successful in getting grocery store cucumber seeds to germinate, chances are you would not get anything resembling the cucumber you culled the seeds from.
What is the best month to plant cucumber? ›
Quick facts. Cucumbers grow best in warm weather. Start seeds indoors in late April for transplants. Sow seed directly in the garden after soil has warmed, usually in May.
Do you plant cucumber seeds point up or down? ›
Pointed seeds- The radicle is normally on(or emerges from) the tip of the seeds, so you'll want the tip to be pointed downward when sowing. These include watermelon, squash, cucumbers, and corn seeds.
How long do cucumbers take to grow from seed? ›
Cucumber fruits will get ready for harvest in 55 to 60 days after germination. The germination process of the seed may take 7 to 10 days. Harvest cucumbers as soon as they are ready.
How much will 1 cucumber plant produce? ›
Total expected yield depends directly on length of harvest period. Yields range from 1 – 3 pounds of fruit per plant per week during the peak harvest period. A normal harvest period of 12 weeks in a well-managed crop can yield a total of 20-25 pounds of fruit per plant.
Plant 2 to 3 seeds per hole.
However, when they are outside, a dome can make them too hot in direct sun, so deep watering is best. With direct sowing, you won't have to worry about hardening off your cucumber plants, but you will want to protect them from harsh conditions.
Will cucumbers come back every year? ›
Many edibles commonly grown in vegetable gardens need to be replanted every year. Crops such as zucchinis and cucumbers are known as annuals because their natural lifecycle only lasts a season. Other plants, such as garlic and kale, are biennials. Their natural lifespan takes two years.
Can you plant cucumber seeds straight into the ground? ›
You can transplant cucumber seedlings that you start indoors, you can plant cucumber starts purchased from your local nursery, or you can direct sow some cucumber seeds right into the garden.
Can you germinate cucumber seeds in a paper towel? ›
Fold seeds into a dry paper towel. Soak the folded paper towel in water and place in a glass. Cover tightly with cellophane and place on a sunny window sill. After 4 days, they sprouted nicely and are ready for planting.
Should I soak cucumber seeds before planting? ›
Cucumber seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing. Cucumber seeds grow best when they are sown directly into the garden. Sow seeds directly in the garden 10mm deep and 40-60cm apart, with rows 100-120cm apart. Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.
Do seeds need to be dry before planting? ›
But don't desiccate the seed (it is alive)—you merely want to get rid of excess moisture and hold it in a dormant state until you are ready to grow it. Seeds need moisture, warmth, and light to germinate, so give them the exact opposite—a dry, cool, dark environment—when storing them.
Can you plant fresh seeds? ›
Some plants will start just fine from newly harvested seed, while others need several months in a specialized environment to jump-start the embryo.
What month do you plant cucumber seeds? ›
Many growers start their first crop in May, but also make a second planting in mid- to late summer. This helps avoid insect pressures by planting between pest life cycles, all while ensuring a late summer harvest. Cucumbers are refreshing and great to have freshly picked and on hand.
Does soaking cucumber seeds help germination? ›
Sow your seeds immediately after soaking, don't delay. Seeds that benefit from soaking include larger seeds like squash, cucumber, beans and peas, and beets.
