Planting Guides

When to Plant Cucumbers in Boston: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 6b

Boston, Massachusetts

USDA Zone 6b

Last Frost: Apr 20

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Plant cucumbers in Boston after May 5 for transplants or May 15 for direct sowing when soil reaches 65°F. Zone 6b allows multiple successions through July.

KKevin Doyle

October 30, 2025

Transplanting cucumber seedlings in Boston garden after last frost date in late spring — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Plant cucumber transplants in Boston May 5-12 after soil reaches 65°F. Direct sow May 15-20 for best results in Zone 6b.

TL;DR

In Boston's Zone 6b climate, start cucumber seeds indoors March 25-April 1, transplant outdoors May 5-12, or direct sow May 15-20 when soil reaches 65°F (18°C). The 183-day growing season allows for succession plantings through mid-July. 'Marketmore 76' and 'Boston Pickling' perform best in New England's variable weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly should I plant cucumbers in Boston?

Start seeds indoors March 25-April 1, transplant outdoors May 5-12, or direct sow May 15-20. The key is soil temperature reaching 65°F (18°C), not just air temperature. Boston's Zone 6b climate allows transplanting about 2 weeks after our average last frost date of April 20.

What cucumber varieties work best in Boston's climate?

Cucumis sativus 'Marketmore 76' offers the best disease resistance for Boston's humid summers. Cucumis sativus 'Boston Pickling' was literally bred for New England conditions and handles our variable weather perfectly. For heat tolerance during July-August, try Cucumis sativus 'Muncher Persian' or Cucumis sativus 'Lemon'.

How many times can I plant cucumbers in Boston's growing season?

Boston's 183-day growing season allows three successions: transplants in early May, direct sowing in early June, and a final planting in early July. Space plantings 3-4 weeks apart for continuous harvest without overwhelming abundance.

Do I need to worry about cucumber beetles in Boston?

Yes, cucumber beetles are significant pests in Massachusetts, arriving as soon as soil warms in May. They vector bacterial wilt, which kills plants quickly. Use row covers immediately after planting and remove them when flowers appear. Plant Blue Hubbard squash as a trap crop around your garden perimeter.

Can I grow cucumbers in containers in Boston?

Absolutely. Use containers at least 20 gallons (76 liters) with excellent drainage. Cucumis sativus 'Lemon' and Cucumis sativus 'Muncher Persian' work particularly well in containers. Boston's urban heat island effect means container plants may need daily watering during July and August.

NEW PLANT DAILY

Think you know your plants?

Test your botanical knowledge with a new plant identification challenge every day. Build your streak, learn fascinating plant facts, and become a plant identification expert!

Build your streak

One chance per day

Learn as you play

Free account required • Takes less than 30 seconds

Tagged with

#cucumber planting #Boston gardening #Zone 6b #Massachusetts vegetables #cucumber varieties #New England gardening #urban gardening #container cucumbers #cucumber diseases #succession planting

Written By

Kevin Doyle

Kevin is a landscape contractor in the Boston area who specializes in cold-climate perennial gardens and hardscaping. He studied landscape design and worked at a prominent nursery on the North Shore before starting his own design-build firm. Kevin's gardens are built to handle New England weather—freeze-thaw cycles, nor'easters, late springs, and heavy snow loads. He's particularly interested in native perennials and shrubs that provide four-season interest without constant maintenance. Kevin writes about cold-hardy plant selection, winter garden structure, and building landscapes that look good even in February.