What temperatures harm cucumber plants?

Cucumber plants are damaged outside the following temperature limits: below 50°F. (10°C.) causes chilling injury to cucumbers by stunting growth for good; above 95°F. (35°C.) causes flower drop, preventing the formation of fruit. The best limits are between 75°F. and 85°F. (24°C. and 29°C.) day temperature.

Microclimate management helps moderate temperature extremes, position plants adjacent to south-facing walls to capture heat. Place burlap screens as windbreaks to shield exposed areas. With these elements, we maintain stable conditions and buffer against sudden drops in temperature, which can distress plants.

Containers, on the other hand, require more special attention if the temperatures are tending to fall. Move the pots to a sheltered spot during a cold night. Place them on pot elevators; if the pots are stationed on stone slabs or tiles, they do absorb a quantity of heat that is very weakening to them. When a frost threatens, wrap each container with a covering of bubble insulation.

Recovery protocols after temperature stress. For a cold damage incident, apply seaweed extract to the leaves to aid in the plant's recovery. After heat stress, mist plants at dusk to cool the foliage and mitigate potential leaf burn. Only prune obviously damaged tissue to allow new growth to emerge unhindered.

Season extension methods help surpass temperature barriers. Begin seedlings indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Use cold frames to start your planting earlier. In hot climates, select heat-tolerant varieties, such as 'Suyo Long', and give them afternoon shade.

Read the full article: How to Grow Cucumbers Successfully