Which structure should I use when growing cucumbers?

There are two common greenhouse structures: glasshouses or poly houses. Both are suitable for growing cucumbers. The questions you should ask are: what are the local environmental conditions? And, how much do you want / can you invest?Glasshouse structures are suitable for nursery cultivation and commercial production of cucumbers in mild to cold climates and require high investments. Poly houses are more suitable for diverse climatic conditions.

What is the growth cycle of greenhouse cucumbers?

Usually, there are 2-3 growing cycles per year. In warm climate conditions, it takes between 20-24 days from planting to first harvest, and the harvest period takes 7-8 weeks. In hi-tech greenhouses, the harvest cycles are very long and can take up to 16 weeks. In this case, there will only be 2 growing cycles per year. The harvest period can differ during different seasons. For example, a summer cycle will take approximately 10 weeks, while a winter cycle will take around 4 months.

What is the expected yield for greenhouse cucumbers?

Hi-tech greenhouses: 200 kg/m2 per year, due to plant density and number of cycles per yearMid-tech poly houses: 40-80 kg/m2 per year

How do the EC and pH affect my greenhouse cucumbers?

Ensuring the right EC, pH, and nutrient levels in the root zone is critical for fast growing and high yielding crops. This is especially true when growing in soilless media, since the growing medium has low buffer capabilities and demands a fast and precise reaction. You need a system that can react quickly to any change, be it crop stage or climate. This can mean the difference between winning and losing.

What are the benefits of Compensated Non-Leakage (CNL) drippers?

Irrigation of soilless media needs short irrigation pulses (minutes). With CNL drippers, you increase fertigation uniformity by saving the refilling time of the system and preventing system drainage that can cause uneven water distribution if done frequently. This means that all the drippers start and stop to drip at the same time.

MEET DEMAND WITH BETTER CUCUMBERS

Growing greenhouse cucumbers carries big investments. It’s a game of driving high, quality yields from every square meter to meet consumer demand and maximize your ROI. For optimal growing conditions, you need the right structure, agro-technical solutions, tools and agronomic know-how.

Optimal conditions for your cucumbers

Start with your crop in mind
The agro-tech solutions you will need (structure, climate control features, irrigation system, etc.) will depend on your regional conditions, climate conditions and market demands. These factors will also determine your growing strategy.
The science of irrigation and plant nutrition
Growing in a controlled environment, especially in soilless media, requires ultimate precision in water and nutrient application. The use of advanced non-leakage drippers combined with multi-channel nutrient dosing machines lets you control the perfect root-zone environment and push your plants to the max.
Take control with smart insights from digital tools
React immediately with insights on your crops, substrates and climate. A complete command and control system will let you activate your climate control, irrigation scheduling and fertilizer dosing units.
A wealth of experience and agronomic know-how
Making the right decisions while your cucumbers are growing is important. Netafim’s renowned experts are there to guide you with your ongoing growing strategy, every step of the way.

Optimal growing conditions for Greenhouse Cucumbers

Things we often get asked:

There are two common greenhouse structures: glasshouses or poly houses. Both are suitable for growing cucumbers. The questions you should ask are: what are the local environmental conditions? And, how much do you want / can you invest?

Glasshouse structures are suitable for nursery cultivation and commercial production of cucumbers in mild to cold climates and require high investments. Poly houses are more suitable for diverse climatic conditions.
Usually, there are 2-3 growing cycles per year. In warm climate conditions, it takes between 20-24 days from planting to first harvest, and the harvest period takes 7-8 weeks. In hi-tech greenhouses, the harvest cycles are very long and can take up to 16 weeks. In this case, there will only be 2 growing cycles per year.

The harvest period can differ during different seasons. For example, a summer cycle will take approximately 10 weeks, while a winter cycle will take around 4 months.
- Hi-tech greenhouses: 200 kg/m²per year, due to plant density and number of cycles per year
- Mid-tech poly houses: 40-80 kg/m²per year
Ensuring the right EC, pH, and nutrient levels in the root zone is critical for fast growing and high yielding crops. This is especially true when growing in soilless media, since the growing medium has low buffer capabilities and demands a fast and precise reaction. You need a system that can react quickly to any change, be it crop stage or climate. This can mean the difference between winning and losing.
Irrigation of soilless media needs short irrigation pulses (minutes). With CNL drippers, you increase fertigation uniformity by saving the refilling time of the system and preventing system drainage that can cause uneven water distribution if done frequently. This means that all the drippers start and stop to drip at the same time.

Do you have more questions?

Recommended solutions for greenhouse cucumbers

PCJ Online

Pressure-compensated drippers – with an optional anti-drain feature – designed to give you 100% uniformity of water and nutrient distribution. And they’re constantly self-cleaning to prevent clogging. Ideal for greenhouses and nurseries.

Uniram™

Pressure-compensated, thick-walled dripperlines – designed to handle low water quality and the most difficult environments and topographies. Ideal for orchards, vineyards and other permanent crops.

Aries™

Medium and thick-walled dripperlines – perfect if you’re looking for durability, longevity and clog-resistance in challenging water conditions when irrigating on flat topographies. Ideal for subsurface drip, orchards, vineyards and field crops in permanent irrigation systems.

SpinNet™

This bridgeless micro-sprinkler is dedicatedly designed to operate in upside-down stands. It creates a perfect water distribution pattern and absolutely no drops that can damage delicate plants below.

Vibronet™

The smartest solution for germinating protected crops. The VibroNet™ uses vibration to create a jet of uniform, evenly spread droplets – and prevent the build-up of mineral deposits that could otherwise clog the nozzle.

CoolNet™

This is a super-fine mister. It delivers micro-sized droplets at a low pressure of 4.0 bar, ensuring uniform distribution and efficient cooling or humidification.

Measure your field's ET with our ETO app

Grow better cucumbers with Netafim!

Get optimal growing conditions for your greenhouse cucumbers.

Contact an expert

What are you looking for?

Product Offering

Solutions

Digital Tools