SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Sumter

Cucumber
Zone 4a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Sumter to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Sumter
52d to harvest

Crisp as glass and bursting with cool, fresh snap, Sumter pickling cucumbers bring a clean, bright flavor with a subtly sweet edge. At maturity they form compact, uniformly sized fruits with a bumpy, dark-green skin that holds its character beautifully for classic pickling preparations. Grow them for reliable harvests and a satisfying crunch that shines in brined jars and tangy relishes alike.

Crop Dates

MilestoneDate
Start IndoorsMay 15th
Last FrostMay 15th
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsMay 29th
Harvest BeginsJul 20th
Harvest EndsSep 24th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity52
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitVine
Support NeededTrellis
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)75
Min Soil Temp (°F)70
Min Night Temp (°F)55
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Sumter in Zone 4a typically begins around 2026-05-29. Wait until soil reaches at least 70°F before transplanting Sumter.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 4a, the average last spring frost is around May 15. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Sumter.

Recommended Companions

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Whirlybird Mix Nasturtium
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Taishan Yellow Marigold
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Black Velvet Nasturtium
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Bouquet Dill
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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest or disease for Cucumis sativus (cucumber), and what should I do?
Cucumber beetles are a major pest for Cucumis sativus and can also spread bacterial wilt. Use floating row cover right after sowing and remove it only when plants flower, then treat early with insecticidal soap or a targeted organic beetle control if you see adults. Also watch leaves for powdery mildew—remove badly infected leaves and improve airflow (don’t crowd plants) to slow spread.
How can I tell when Cucumis sativus is ready to harvest?
Harvest cucumbers about 50–55 days after sowing when fruits reach the expected size for your plant and the skin is firm and glossy. Use your fingertips to avoid a dull, soft feel—overgrown cucumbers become seedy and less flavorful. Check plants every 1–2 days during peak production so you don’t miss the window when they’re at best eating quality.
Botanical illustration of Sumter

Crisp as glass and bursting with cool, fresh snap, Sumter pickling cucumbers bring a clean, bright flavor with a subtly sweet edge. At maturity they form compact, uniformly sized fruits with a bumpy, dark-green skin that holds its character beautifully for classic pickling preparations. Grow them for reliable harvests and a satisfying crunch that shines in brined jars and tangy relishes alike.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Sumter in Zone 4a typically begins around 2026-05-29. Wait until soil reaches at least 70°F before transplanting Sumter.

Garden Alerts

In Zone 4a, the average last spring frost is around May 15. Watch soil temperature before transplanting Sumter.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 70°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

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 Sumter pickles, wait for consistently warm nights and transplant into well-warmed soil using careful root handling (or start directly if you can).