Cucumber can be grown on variety of soil types. Well drained, sandy loam or loamy soils are considered best. It is important that soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. The crop can be grown successfully grown in slightly acidic soils pH 6 - 7.

Cucumber can be grown in both tropical and sub-tropical climate. Cucumber does not withstand even light frost hence cucumber is grown under frost free condition. Cucumber grows best at a temperature range of 24-28oC. Proper sunshine and low humidity are ideal for the production of cucumber.

Immature fruits are used as salad and picklings. Tender leaves are also used as vegetable. Fruits have cooling effect and prevent jaundice, indigestion and constipation.

In hills, crop is sown in April-May. The recommended seed rate is 3-4 kg/ha. Seed should be treated before sowing with thiram or bavistin @ 3 g/kg of seed. Sowing is generally done in pits. Two seeds per pits are generally sown.

The dose of fertilizers depends upon the soil type and climate. About 20 q/ha of FYM should be mixed with soil or applied to the pit at least 15 to 20 days before sowing. Besides that about 100 kg N, 60 kg P and 60 kg K/ha should be applied. Half of nitrogen, entire P and K is applied in the pits at the time of sowing as basal dose. Remaining quantity of nitrogen is applied at 30 days after sowing as top dressing.

Weeding and hoeing are important cultural practices which affect crop growth and fruit development. Three weeding are necessary to keep the crop weed free. First weeding may be given 15 - 20 days after sowing. Two more weedings are given at 20-30 day interval. Mulching in cucumber not only improve water retention and ground temperature in the soil but also improve soil organic matter content. Cucumber should be trained in bower system. The crop is trained when the plants are about 20-30 cm. Plants are supported by stakes so that they grow straight to the bower and spread the branch. The height of bower should be about 2.5 m.

Crop is ready for harvest in about 60 - 70 days after sowing depending upon the variety and season or 6-10 days after fruit setting. At this stage fruits are medium sized, dark green colour and having immature seeds.