How To Grow Hydroponic Cucumbers Indoors [Main Methods And Secrets For Best Hydroponic Cucumber Garden]

Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to grow cucumbers in open ground. In such cases, the use of hydroponics is appropriate. This ensures the possibility of obtaining a good harvest, without any difficulties. More about growing cucumbers hydroponically will be discussed in this article.

What hydroponics system would be appropriate for cucumbers?

Before you start studying hydroponic cucumbers, you should decide on the systems. As you know, there are different types of hydroponics. They may vary in shape and size.

If you plan to grow cucumber plants, then the best option would be to use a drip system. Some gardeners use an ebb and flow system, as well as a Dutch bucket system.

Drip system

As you know, installing a hydroponic drip system requires a lot of space.

Therefore, for the home, such greenhouse cucumbers are not the best option, but for commercial institutions, it is appropriate. All bushes are hung from the roots to a mesh pot, which is immersed in a small amount of water.

All containers are connected by channels. They carry out a constant movement of water, oxygen, and nutrients. At the end of the canal, the water is stored in a separate container and can be reused.

Ebb and flow system

The peculiarity of the ebb and flow system is that periodically cucumber plants are flooded with nutrients.

To do this, you need to set a special schedule. The difference from the drip system is that the water will not constantly contain nutrients.

In the process of pumping nutrients into the tank, due to gravity, they merge in a certain place, penetrating the tank.

It’s a simple system that’s easy to set up. For the supply part to work, a synchronization pump must be installed.

Dutch bucket system for hydroponic cucumbers

It is also a very efficient system for the hydroponic cucumbers that are appropriate for compact rooms. At the same time, it consumes a minimum amount of water.

Cucumber plants need to be grown in a bucket, which must first be filled with perlite, vermiculite, or coconut shavings.

This improves aeration and increase yields. Buckets can be placed in any direction you like. This saves enough free space.

What varieties of cucumbers are suitable for hydroponics?

As you know, not all types of cucumber plants are appropriate for growing in hydroponics.

Almost all species will produce bitterness if left on the vine for a long time. For growing cucumbers in hydroponics, bush varieties are appropriate.

1. Space master. This variety is compact while giving consistently high yields. It is resistant to both drought and high humidity. The fruits are identical in shape and are 7-9 inches long. This variety is appropriate for small rooms.
2. Bush Champion. It is also a fairly small variety with large vegetables. They are about 11 inches long. They are easy to cut, while the vegetables are quite pleasant in taste and aroma. The height of the bushes does not exceed 10 inches. Therefore, it makes it easier to take care of the plants.
3. Beit Alpha. This variety is distinguished by smooth fruits that have thin skin. No additional pollinators are required. Therefore, cultivation can be done both in the room and in greenhouses.
4. Lemon variety. This is a new variety whose fruits resemble a tennis ball. When ripe, they have a yellow tint. The skin is thin. There are many cucumber seeds inside. For cultivation, and obtaining high yields, you should choose a Dutch bucket system.

Getting started growing cucumbers hydroponically

If you plan to plant in hydroponics, you should not leave the cucumber seed in water until germination. Landing should be carried out in coconut coir or mineral wool.

Seeds germinate quickly, and it takes 3-10 days. Seeds should be placed inside the soil, 4 inches thick. After you need to maintain a temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Growing hydroponic cucumbers

If you prefer seeded cucumber varieties, then give preference to seeds. Plants grow and mature quickly. If you prefer varieties that produce seedless fruits, they can be propagated hydroponically.

The process is quite complicated, however, it is quite possible. You can also transplant cucumber seedlings from the soil into hydroponics.

Hydroponic Cucumber Support Features

Bush cucumber varieties do not need support. Other varieties need to be provided with a trellis, which is installed near each hydroponic system.

The item must be directed so that it begins to trail along the trellis. Then wait for the moment when it is fixed. In the end, you can pinch the tip.

This will form several stems. They will trudge further along the trellis. If necessary, you can repeat the procedure.

Optimal distance for hydroponic cucumbers

Planting cucumbers should be carried out in a spacious place. Opt for beds that will be spaced 3-6 pounds apart.

The exact distance depends on the variety. If the bushes weave along the ground, more space will be required. If you are growing container and bush cucumber varieties, the spacing should be 3-4 feet.

If you grow hydroponic cucumbers vertically, it makes sense to stop at a distance of 2-3 feet.

Therefore, they can be planted in places where there is enough room to grow. In this case, it can be a greenhouse or open ground.

Lighting requirements for hydroponic cucumbers

The more energy the plant consumes, the faster the growth, and the better the yield. Every day, plants need lighting for about 12-14 hours.

This will provide better performance. If natural light is not enough, additional fluorescent lamps can be installed.

You need to run them for 12-16 hours. It is better to do it during the day, and turn it off in the evenings. Lamps should be placed so that they are 4-6 inches away from the plants.

Temperature requirements for hydroponic cucumbers

If you use hydroponics, you should pay attention to lighting and temperature conditions. The lighting for the cucumber plant should be high or medium.

The temperature must be high. For best results, it is best to grow hydroponic cucumbers in the summer.

You can also place cucumbers in the greenhouse. After all, you can adjust the temperature and light.

It is best, when using the Dutch system, to set the temperature during the day at 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re growing a Beit Alpha cucumber plant, the temperature can be set between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

For cucumber seeds to germinate better, the temperature should not fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH should be at the level of 5-6.

Excessive vulnerability in temperature at the level of 55 degrees is observed. After all, this can cause chills. This manifests itself in the form of rotting culture. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor the temperature.

How long does it take to grow? How many bushes will fit in a 5-gallon bucket?

On average, it will take no more than 70 days to grow hydroponic cucumbers. After this time, you can harvest.

Some varieties even produce a crop 50 days after sowing. To speed up the ripening process, special attention should be paid to the introduction of nutrients.

If you grow hydroponic cucumbers using the Dutch hydroponics system, then you can fit no more than 2-3 cucumber bushes in one bucket.

If you prefer climbing varieties, then you should not plant more than two bushes. In this case, you should take care of a wide trellis.

Yield indicators

The exact yield figures depend on the cultivated variety of hydroponic cucumbers. Some fruits are slightly heavier than others.

On average, 1.5-3 pounds of fruit can be harvested from each bush in 7 days. At the end of the year, 20-25 fruits will form on each plant.

How do pollinate cucumbers hydroponically?

It should be remembered that not all varieties of hydroponic cucumbers need pollination. If your variety requires it, then you can do pollination yourself.

To do this, arm yourself with a small brush or cotton pad. The tool needs to wipe the flowers of the male plant.

After it, you need to dip it inside the female flowers and wipe the inner surfaces.

This causes the female flowers to wilt and the swollen part to begin to form a fruit.

Feeding features

As soon as you notice a vigorous seedling growth rate, you can use a hydroponic nutrient solution that is high in nitrogen.

Before flowering, it is recommended to pay attention to solutions that contain a lot of phosphorus and potassium. This increases the number of flowers in the bushes.

General Hydroponics manufactures several kits that include all 3 nutritional components.

This is a universal option that will be appropriate for all stages of growth.

Fertilizer formulas

If you grow cucumbers hydroponically they need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

This will allow you to get an excellent harvest. You can make your own optimal fertilizer by mixing 3 ounces of 8-16-36 Specialty Fertilizer, 3 ounces of calcium nitrate, and 2 ounces of magnesium sulfate.

The mixture should be added as needed.

Signs of nutritional deficiencies

All of the above components have a positive effect on the growth and development of hydroponic cucumbers. If at least one component is not enough, the bushes will suffer. You can notice the problem by certain symptoms.

If the bushes lack potassium, then the edges of the leaf plates will turn yellow. Signs of burns may form between the veins.

If there is a lack of magnesium, then the space between the veins will turn yellow. A lack of nitrogen is indicated by slow growth rates and pale green leaf plates.

If there is not enough phosphorus, the plants grow poorly and have a dull shade.

pH Values for Hydroponic Cucumbers

Considering that in a hydroponic system, the roots of plants are in the water, you need to constantly monitor the pH of not only the water but also the soil.

The indicators should vary from 5.5 to 6. For measurements, you can use special devices that have a monitor.

Is growing hydroponic cucumbers indoors allowed?

If you do not have the opportunity to plant plants in the open field, you can start growing them indoors.

However, you need to take care of the right lighting and maintain optimal indicators of temperature and humidity.

Pollination can be done independently, using available materials. Remember to improve air circulation around the bushes. This prevents diseases and pests.

Is it possible to collect seeds from hydroponic cucumbers? What problems can be when growing hydroponic cucumbers?

As you know, hydroponic cucumber plants are more compact in size. If you plant certain varieties, then after 2 months you will be able to get fruits with seeds. Remember that the availability of seeds depends on the variety grown. The collected seeds are inappropriate for further cultivation.

Hydroponic cucumber plants are constantly in a humid environment and warm, regardless of the stage of development.

Planting is carried out in fertile soil, in which diseases and pests actively develop. Of the diseases, frequent signs of stem burn and powdery mildew should be noted.

Diseases develop due to fungi that develop in places where water and oxygen circulate poorly. Leaves that have been infected should be removed.

If the infection is severe, it is better to completely destroy the bush. A fan can be installed nearby to improve ventilation.

Of the pests, the presence of ticks and two-point spiders should be noted. They will lay their eggs on the underside of leaf blades.

They use the leaves for food. Pest control involves the use of neem oil. You can also soak a cotton pad in alcohol and wipe the infected surface with it.

FAQ

In the process of growing cucumbers hydroponically, you may encounter various issues.

Results

As you can see, growing hydroponic cucumbers are not difficult. If you provide all the conditions and keep a close eye on the bushes, there are no problems, and you can get a good harvest of fruits.

If you would like to know more about hydroponic gardening, check out our article on how to build a DWC hydroponic system.