Cucumber-Harvest and storage

Cucumber will be ready for harvest 45 to 55 days after sowing. In cucumber the proper stage of maturity is judged by fruit size and not by the age of the fruit.

In general cucumber may be picked at any stage of fruit growth, provided yellowish has not started.

Cucumber for slicing can be picked when they are 15 to 35 cm long. Fruits for pickling are harvested 6 to 15 cm long. In case of slices at marketable stage, spines on fruit become soft and fall down.

The fruit should be picked at frequent intervals in order to avoid losses due to over sized or over mature fruits. They are generally picked at 2 to 4 days intervals depending on weather.