Grow Light for Cucumbers Indoors With No Bees Needed
A grow light for cucumbers indoors works well with parthenocarpic varieties, which set fruit without pollination by bees. University of Maryland Extension notes these types do not require pollination. Cucumbers also need bright light plus warmth, so hang a lamp close above the vines, train them up a small trellis plus water evenly.
The short answer
Pick a parthenocarpic cucumber for indoor growing. University of Minnesota Extension notes these newer types set fruit with no pollination plus the fruit is seedless or nearly so. University of Tennessee Extension notes fruiting crops need more light than leafy crops plus indoor growing relies on supplemental lighting.
What is a parthenocarpic cucumber?
University of Minnesota Extension notes bees are common cucumber pollinators, but some newer varieties set fruit that develops normally even with no pollination of the female flowers. These fruits are seedless or nearly so. University of Maryland Extension notes parthenocarpic varieties do not require pollination, which suits a room with no bees.
| Factor | Guideline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pollination | Not required for parthenocarpic types | University of Maryland Extension |
| Fruit | Seedless or nearly so | University of Minnesota Extension |
| Trellis height | 3 to 4 feet | University of Minnesota Extension |
| Soil pH | 6.0 to 6.5 | University of Minnesota Extension |
| First harvest | 30 to 50 days | University of Tennessee Extension |
| Light for fruiting crops | 8 hours or more | University of Tennessee Extension |
Source: University of Maryland Extension, University of Minnesota Extension plus University of Tennessee Extension.
How much light do indoor cucumbers need?
University of Tennessee Extension notes light plus nutrient needs are higher for fruiting crops than for leafy plants. It notes natural light of eight hours or more suits fruiting crops plus adequate light is critical for fruiting. Winter windows fall short, so indoors that means a bright grow light close above the vines.
How do you support cucumber vines indoors?
University of Minnesota Extension notes some varieties form long vines that may need a trellis, while bush types fit smaller spaces. Training vines up a three to four foot trellis gives straight fruit plus saves room. A short trellis or stakes in a pot hold vines near the light.
How to: step by step
- Choose a compact parthenocarpic cucumber variety.
- Plant in a large container with drainage.
- Add a small trellis or stakes.
- Hang a bright grow light close above the vines.
- Hold the room warm plus water evenly.
- Harvest fruit while it is still firm plus green.
Troubleshooting
Flowers but no fruit: the variety needs bees. Switch to a parthenocarpic type.
Pale stretched vines: low light. Lower the lamp.
Bitter fruit: hot dry conditions. Water steadily.
For more on lighting see grow lights for cannabis, led light distance cannabis, grow light sizing per square foot plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks seeds for indoor growers.
Sources
- Key to common problems of cucumbers, University of Maryland Extension
- Growing cucumbers in home gardens, University of Minnesota Extension
- Why are some of my cucumbers bitter?, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers in small scale soilless and hydroponic systems (W 844 C), University of Tennessee Extension
FAQ
Do indoor cucumbers need hand pollination?
Not parthenocarpic types. University of Maryland Extension notes these varieties do not require pollination, plus University of Minnesota Extension notes they set normal fruit with no pollination of the female flowers. Standard varieties rely on bees to move pollen from male to female flowers, so they set little fruit indoors without help.
How big a pot does a cucumber need?
Use a large container with drainage. University of Minnesota Extension notes bush types have very short vines plus fit small gardens, so they suit pots better than long vining types. University of Tennessee Extension notes cucumbers can be grown indoors in soilless systems with supplemental lighting as well.
Can cucumbers grow on a windowsill?
Rarely well. University of Tennessee Extension notes natural light of eight hours or more suits fruiting crops plus adequate light is critical for fruiting. A winter windowsill seldom gives that, so pair a bright window with a grow light. University of Minnesota Extension notes cucumbers grow well in warm conditions too.
Why are my indoor cucumbers bitter?
Iowa State University Extension notes bitterness in cucumbers comes from a compound called cucurbitacin. Hot dry weather is the usual cause. It advises bitter free cultivars such as Sweet Slice plus Sweet Success, along with watering once a week during hot dry spells. Even moisture under the lamp helps indoors.
How soon do indoor cucumbers bear fruit?
University of Tennessee Extension notes cucumbers reach first harvest quickly, in 30 to 50 days, but are usually harvested for weeks rather than months. Growers often plant several crops a year. Indoors, start a new pot as the first plant slows down so the grow light always has a vine bearing fruit.
