Cucumber

Will Cucumbers Grow in Shade? The Surprising Truth!

Are you an avid gardener but don’t have a sunny backyard to grow your cucumbers? Do you have limited space or live in an urban area with tall buildings blocking the sunlight? As an experienced gardener, I often get asked if cucumbers can grow in shade.

From my experience, I can attest that cucumbers can grow in shady areas, but to ensure healthy growth, consider several factors. Sunlight is one of the main requirements for plant growth, and although cucumbers prefer sunny locations, they can adapt to partial shade conditions.

This article will discuss the main factors to consider when growing cucumbers in shade and some tips for success in low-light conditions.

Will cucumber grow in shade?

Absolutely! While cucumbers do prefer full sun, they can still grow and thrive in partial shade. In fact, providing some shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent heat stress and sunburn on your cucumber plants. To successfully grow cucumbers in shade, choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight and provide them with rich, well-draining soil and consistent moisture. With these tips and a little patience, you’ll be enjoying a delicious harvest of cucumbers in no time!

When growing cucumbers in shaded areas, it’s necessary to provide as much light as possible, whether direct or indirect.

Another option is to make the most of indirect light, choosing an area close to a light wall or reflective surface that can reflect sunlight and direct it toward the cucumber plants.

It is worth mentioning that although it is possible to grow cucumbers in shady conditions, the productivity and growth rate of the plants will be affected. Light availability will directly influence plant health and crop yield.

Although cucumbers are less shade tolerant when compared to other plants, some varieties are more adaptable to low-light conditions.

Table with cucumber varieties that are known to be tolerant to shade:

Cucumber VarietyTolerance to ShadeHours of Direct Sunlight Required
Salad Bush HybridHigh6+ hours per day
Sweet Success HybridHigh6+ hours per day
Marketmore 76Medium to High6+ hours per day
Straight EightMedium to High8-10 hours
DivaMedium to High6+ hours per day
Spacemaster 80Medium to High6+ hours per day
FanfareMedium to High6+ hours per day
Bush ChampionMedium to High6+ hours per day
Suyo LongMedium6+ hours per day
LemonMedium8-10 hours
ArmenianLow8-10 hours
Important TIP!
You need to keep in mind that while these cucumber varieties may be more tolerant to shade than others, they still require a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow.

Factors to consider when growing cucumbers in the shade

Factors to consider when growing cucumbers in the shade

If growing cucumbers in shady areas, here are some helpful tips.

Ideal amount of light

Cucumbers are plants that need significant sunlight to grow and develop properly. Although it is possible to grow them in shaded areas (as long as they receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day), the plant can not reach its maximum productivity.

Always monitor the amount of light available in the growing area and the plant’s health to ensure cucumbers receive the necessary amount of light.

Shade-adapted varieties

Through crossbreeding and individual selection, some varieties of cucumbers have already adapted to a lower need for light. When choosing to grow cucumbers in shady conditions, choose those known for their adaptation to lower-light environments.

These varieties are tolerant of partial shade conditions and are likely to do well in these conditions. Consult a gardening specialist or research shade-adapted varieties available in your area before starting your cultivation.

Proper plant spacing

When grown in shade areas, cucumbers (like almost all plants) tend to extend their stems and leaves in search of more light (this is called etiolation).

Due to this abnormal growth, it is essential to properly space the plants, thus allowing more space to develop and a more uniform penetration and distribution of available light.

Proper spacing also prevents plants from overlapping each other, causing excessive shading and stunting the healthy growth of cucumbers. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best spacing for the specific cucumber variety you are growing.

Adequate fertilization

Under shady conditions, cucumbers may face challenges related to optimal nutrition to stay healthy. That is why it is so crucial to provide adequate fertilization. Fertilizing will provide all the nutrients the plant needs, increasing light absorption efficiency.

I always recommend the use of organic fertilizers. Remember to apply all necessary nutrients.

Speaking of amazing nutrients for your cucumber plants – use coffee grounds! Learn how this surprising soil amendment can boost plant growth and yield for bigger, better cucumbers.

Pollination

In shaded areas, there may be fewer pollinating insects such as bees, which may affect the fruiting of cucumbers.

To ensure good pollination, you can use manual techniques such as using a brush to transfer pollen between flowers.

Are pesky holes ruining your cucumber leaves? Discover the top culprits and effective solutions for this common garden problem that can threaten the health and yield of your cucumber plants.

Tips to grow cucumbers in shade conditions:

In addition to choosing the right variety, monitoring the plants, and providing the least quantity of light, other tips will make your shade cucumber production successful.

Proper positioning

When growing cucumbers in the shade, choose a location where the plants can receive the maximum amount of available sunlight. Position them strategically, next to a white wall or in an area with light reflection.

Support structures

To deal with etiolation (plants that are more stretched due to the shaded condition), a great way out is to use support structures, such as trellises, conductor wires, or grids.

These structures will provide the necessary support for the plants to grow without overlapping and help them to extend vertically and make the most of the available light.

Adequate watering

When talking about plants, watering is always a crucial factor. Regularly monitor soil moisture and water the cucumbers as needed. The lack of direct sunlight can reduce the evaporation rate. It’s necessary to avoid excessive humidity, as this can favor the development of fungal diseases.

Pest and disease control

Plants grown in partial shade may be more susceptible to pests and diseases. Regularly monitor your plants and take preventive measures, such as using biological control techniques or applying natural products to control pests and diseases.

Weed management

Weeds compete with cucumbers for resources like nutrients and light. Keep the growing area free of weeds by removing weeds regularly and applying a layer of mulch to help suppress the growth of these unwanted weeds.

Don’t let a lack of growth leave you feeling green with envy – click now to uncover the top reasons why your cucumber plant may be struggling and learn how to revive it for a bountiful harvest!

Regular harvest

Make regular harvests of ripe cucumbers. Removing the fruits that are ready to be eaten stimulates the plant to produce new fruits. In addition, the harvester prevents the ripe fruits from being in excessive shade or causing greater shading.

Supplementary artificial lighting

If the available natural light is insufficient for the healthy cultivation of cucumbers, you can supplement it with artificial lighting. Nowadays, we can easily find several lights and luminaries suitable for growing plants, usually LEDs.

Position the artificial lighting system just above the plants, covering them. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper lighting distance and time. Adjust the intensity and duration of lighting (photoperiod) according to the needs and stage of plants development.

Problems with growing cucumbers in shade

When growing cucumbers in shady areas, you should know that some problems can arise due to the poor availability of direct sunlight. Below we discuss some of these issues and how to address these issues.

Limited growth

Lack of adequate sunlight can lead to a limitation in plant development and growth. With less available light, plants may experience slower growth, weaker stems, and lower flower and fruit production.

To remedy this problem, choose shade-adapted cucumber varieties and provide adequate aperture and spacing to allow even light distribution. You may also consider using supplemental artificial lighting to provide the necessary amount of light for the plants.

Is your newly transplanted cucumber plant showing signs of distress and slow growth? Discover how to diagnose transplant shock symptoms, and learn essential tips to help your cucumber thrive and produce a bountiful harvest!

Fungal diseases

The lack of direct sunlight can cause prolonged humidity, especially in areas close to the substrate. These moist, shaded parts create an environment conducive to the development of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and gray mold.

To prevent this issue, just ensure good air circulation around the plants. Proper pruning, the removal of infected leaves, and proper spacing will help increase air circulation and reduce humidity.

Avoid wetting the entire cucumber plant and choose cucumber varieties that are more resistant to fungal diseases.

Limited pollination

Bees in particular are essential for the proper pollination of cucumber flowers, which leads to the formation of healthy fruits. To ensure that the flowers are properly pollinated, there are some methods of hand pollination.

Other outings include renting a pollinating bee box (yes, that’s a thing) or planting plants nearby that attract pollinators.

Nutrient deficiencies

Lack of direct sunlight can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Regularly monitor the health of your plant, look for symptoms of deficiencies (such as discoloration on the leaves), and fertilize as needed. Use balanced and nutrient-rich fertilizers.

Here is a table I’ve compiled summarizing the information on cucumber growth and yield in shade versus full sunlight:

FactorCucumber Growth in ShadeCucumber Growth in Full Sun
HeightShorter and leggyTaller and sturdier
LeavesSmaller and fewerLarger and more abundant
FloweringDelayedEarlier
YieldLowerHigher
Fruit QualityLess uniform and misshapenMore uniform and higher quality
Sources:
“Cucumber.” University of Minnesota Extension. https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-cucumbers#shade-tolerant-varieties-1397713 (accessed October 7, 2021).
Othman, R., et al. “Effects of Shade on Cucumber Yield and Quality.” Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 81, no. 4 (2006): 613-618. https://doi.org/10.1080/14620316.2006.11512083
Javanmard, M., et al. “Effect of Shade on Yield and Quality of Greenhouse Cucumber.” Journal of Applied Horticulture 12, no. 1 (2010): 3-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2008.09.010

Are you disappointed with your cucumber plants not producing any flowers? Discover the potential reasons why your plants are not flowering and learn how to fix them to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Conclusion

When facing these problems when growing cucumbers in the shade, it is critical to closely monitor the growth and health of the plants. Conduct regular inspections, make necessary corrections, and adjust your growing practices as needed. With proper care and adaptations, it is possible to overcome the challenges and obtain satisfactory cultivation of cucumbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of sunlight do cucumbers need?

Cucumbers require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to grow and produce fruit. Without enough sunlight, cucumber plants may become weak and produce fewer cucumbers or even stop producing altogether. If you are growing cucumbers in a location with less sunlight, consider using reflective materials to increase the amount of light they receive.

How much shade can cucumbers take?

Cucumbers are sun-loving plants that need a lot of light to grow and produce a bountiful harvest. However, they can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Ideally, they should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, but they can still grow and produce fruit with as little as 4 hours of sunlight.

Will cucumbers produce less fruit when grown in shade?

Yes, cucumbers generally produce less fruit when grown in shade as they require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive and produce abundant fruit. Shade can reduce the photosynthesis process, which is crucial for plant growth and fruit production.

Andreea Tapu

Andreea TAPU is a passionate gardener with over 5 years of experience in cultivating a wide variety of plants and flowers in her garden. As the author and creator of careofgarden.com, she is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and expertise with others, providing practical tips and advice to help gardeners of all levels achieve success and enjoyment in their gardening pursuits.