SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Socrates

Cucumber
Zone 13a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Socrates to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Socrates
50d to harvest

Cool, crisp snap leads the way with Socrates—an elegant Beit Alpha cucumber prized for its clean, refreshing flavor and tightly textured flesh that stays pleasantly firm. At maturity it forms long, straight fruits with a bright, even skin and a refined, tender bite, ideal for slicing into vivid platters and for showcasing in fresh, vibrant preparations. Grow Socrates for a steady, garden-to-table harvest that tastes as bright as it looks.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Frost-free Zone 13a supports continuous outdoor production.
MilestoneDate
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Growing ApproachContinuous Production

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity50
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitVine
Support NeededTrellis
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)80
Min Soil Temp (°F)65
Min Night Temp (°F)55
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Socrates in Zone 13a typically begins around throughout the growing season. Wait until soil reaches at least 65°F before transplanting Socrates.

Garden Alerts

Frost-free Zone 13a supports continuous outdoor production.

Recommended Companions

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Bouquet Dill
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Early Sunglow Corn
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Hera Dill
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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Cucumis sativus (cucumber), and what should I do first?
Cucumber beetles are the most frequent early problem and can quickly spread bacterial wilt. Check plants in the morning and remove any heavily affected leaves, then use floating row cover until flowering if possible; once flowering starts, switch to targeted hand-removal and a cucumber-safe control per the label if beetles persist. If you see wilting with tan/brown streaks in stems, remove the affected plant immediately to prevent spread.
How can I tell when Cucumis sativus is ready to harvest?
Harvest when fruits reach the variety’s typical size for fresh eating and the skin is still firm and glossy, usually around 50 days from sowing. Use a fingernail to lightly scratch the skin—if it dents easily, it’s ready; if it’s hard or looks overgrown, pick it sooner for best flavor and to keep vines producing. Check daily once fruits start forming.
Botanical illustration of Socrates

Cool, crisp snap leads the way with Socrates—an elegant Beit Alpha cucumber prized for its clean, refreshing flavor and tightly textured flesh that stays pleasantly firm. At maturity it forms long, straight fruits with a bright, even skin and a refined, tender bite, ideal for slicing into vivid platters and for showcasing in fresh, vibrant preparations. Grow Socrates for a steady, garden-to-table harvest that tastes as bright as it looks.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Socrates in Zone 13a typically begins around throughout the growing season. Wait until soil reaches at least 65°F before transplanting Socrates.

Garden Alerts

Frost-free Zone 13a supports continuous outdoor production.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 65°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For the earliest harvest, use black plastic or row cover to warm the soil and keep nights reliably warm after transplanting.