Planting Guides

When to Plant Cucumbers in Minneapolis: Complete Guide + Best Varieties for Zone 4a

Minneapolis, Minnesota

USDA Zone 4a

Last Frost: May 15

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Learn when to plant cucumbers in Minneapolis with specific dates for Zone 4a. Compare 6 varieties & discover which grow best in Minnesota's short season.

DDorothy "Dot" Williams

October 30, 2025

Cucumber seedlings in peat pots ready to plant in Minneapolis Zone 4a garden — — Image © PlantReference.org 2025

Quick Answer

Start cucumber seeds indoors April 23-30 in Minneapolis Zone 4a. Transplant outdoors May 21-28 after soil reaches 60°F.

TL;DR

Start cucumber seeds indoors April 23-30 for Minneapolis' Zone 4a climate. Transplant outdoors May 21-28 after soil warms to 60°F. Choose early varieties like Cucumis sativus 'Boston Pickling' (55 days) and Cucumis sativus 'Marketmore 76' (65 days) to beat September 29 first frost. Direct sowing is risky due to Minneapolis' short 138-day growing season.

Product Recommendations

Jiffy Peat Pots

($12-15)— Biodegradable transplant containers prevent cucumber root disturbance

Jiffy 3-Inch Round Peat Pots, Pack of 10

https://www.amazon.com/Jiffy-JP306-Round-Peat-Pots/dp/B000HHO1W0

Biodegradable peat pots eliminate transplant shock for cucumber seedlings with sensitive root systems. Three-inch diameter accommodates 3-4 weeks of indoor growth without becoming root-bound. Pots plant directly in ground where they decompose naturally, allowing roots to grow through walls. Made from Canadian sphagnum peat moss and recycled paper. Essential for Minneapolis Zone 4a cucumber success where transplants are mandatory for reliable harvests.

Price: $12.99-$14.99

REOTEMP Soil Thermometer

($18-25)— Accurate soil temperature monitoring for perfect transplant timing

REOTEMP Heavy Duty Compost and Soil Thermometer

https://www.amazon.com/REOTEMP-Heavy-Compost-Soil-Thermometer/dp/B00002N5ZB

Professional-grade soil thermometer with 20-inch stainless steel probe reaches proper depth for accurate readings. Measures 0-200°F range with easy-read dial face. Essential for Minneapolis gardeners to determine when soil reaches critical 60°F threshold for cucumber transplanting. Heavy-duty construction withstands repeated soil insertion. Large dial clearly shows temperature differences that determine transplant success or failure in challenging Zone 4a conditions.

Price: $18.99-$24.99

DeWitt Black Plastic Mulch

($25-35)— Soil warming mulch essential for Minneapolis cucumber success

DeWitt 4x100 Black Plastic Mulch Roll

https://www.amazon.com/DeWitt-4X100BK-4-Feet-100-Feet-Plastic/dp/B000BQUFVS

Professional-grade black plastic mulch warms Minneapolis soil 4-6°F above ambient temperature, critical for cucumber success in Zone 4a. Four-foot width perfect for raised beds, 100-foot length covers multiple garden rows. Suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and maintains consistent soil temperature throughout growing season. Install 2-3 weeks before transplanting to pre-warm soil. Advances harvest timing by 1-2 weeks in short Minneapolis growing season.

Price: $25.99-$34.99

Burpee Cucumber Trellis

($35-45)— Vertical growing system maximizes Minneapolis garden space

Burpee Heavy-Duty 6-Foot Cucumber Trellis

https://www.burpee.com/heavy-duty-6-foot-cucumber-trellis-95304

Sturdy steel construction supports 25-30 pounds of mature cucumber vines and fruit. Six-foot height accommodates vigorous varieties like Marketmore 76 throughout full growing season. Powder-coated finish resists Minneapolis weather extremes. Vertical growing improves air circulation, reducing disease pressure common in humid Minnesota summers. Maximizes harvest from limited garden space while making cucumber care and harvesting easier. Easy assembly with ground stakes included.

Price: $35.99-$44.99

Gardener's Supply Row Cover

($20-30)— Essential frost protection for Minneapolis cucumber transplants

Agribon AG-30 Floating Row Cover, 6x25 feet

https://www.gardeners.com/buy/agribon-ag-30-floating-row-cover/8590464.html

Lightweight spun fabric provides 4-6°F frost protection while allowing 85% light transmission. Essential emergency protection against surprise late frosts common in Minneapolis through mid-June. Covers entire cucumber planting area without plant contact. Breathable fabric prevents overheating on warm days while maintaining critical temperature buffer. Reusable for multiple seasons. Six by twenty-five foot dimensions cover typical home garden cucumber plantings completely.

Price: $19.99-$29.99

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the latest I can plant cucumbers in Minneapolis?

For transplants, May 28 is the absolute latest safe planting date in Minneapolis Zone 4a. Later planting risks insufficient time for fruit maturation before the September 29 first frost. Early varieties like Cucumis sativus 'Boston Pickling' (55 days) planted May 28 would harvest around July 22, allowing for several weeks of production before frost threatens the vines.

Can I direct sow cucumber seeds in Minneapolis?

Direct sowing is possible but risky in Minneapolis. Wait until June 1-7 when soil reaches 65°F (18.3°C) consistently. This late start often results in immature fruit at first frost. Transplants started indoors April 23-30 provide much better success rates and longer harvest windows for our challenging Zone 4a climate.

What happens if I plant cucumbers too early in Minneapolis?

Planting cucumbers in cold Minneapolis soil below 60°F (15.6°C) causes transplant shock, stunted growth, and delayed maturity that vines rarely recover from. Cold-stressed plants become more susceptible to diseases and produce fewer, lower-quality fruit. Wait for proper soil temperatures even if air temperatures seem warm enough.

Which cucumber varieties work best for Minneapolis' short season?

Early maturing varieties (50-65 days) work best for Minneapolis Zone 4a. Top choices include Cucumis sativus 'Northern Pickling' (52 days), Cucumis sativus 'Boston Pickling' (55 days), and Cucumis sativus 'Bush Champion' (55 days). These varieties mature before our September 29 first frost and often escape late-season disease pressure.

How do I protect cucumber transplants from late Minneapolis frosts?

Keep row covers or Water Wall teepees ready through mid-June for emergency frost protection. Minneapolis can experience surprise late frosts that damage or kill cucumber plants. Monitor overnight temperatures and cover plants when temperatures drop below 35°F (1.7°C). Remove covers once morning temperatures rise to prevent overheating.

Should I use black plastic mulch for cucumbers in Minneapolis?

Yes, black plastic mulch is highly recommended for Minneapolis cucumber growing. Install plastic 2-3 weeks before transplanting to pre-warm soil by 4-6°F (2-3°C). This technique advances harvest by 1-2 weeks—significant in our short season—while suppressing weeds and retaining consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season.

When should I start cucumber seeds indoors for Minneapolis planting?

Start cucumber seeds indoors April 23-30 for Minneapolis Zone 4a gardens. Count back 3-4 weeks from your intended transplant date (May 21-28). Use biodegradable peat pots to minimize root disturbance, as cucumber roots are extremely sensitive to transplant shock and don't recover well from root damage.

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Tagged with

#Minneapolis gardening #Zone 4a planting #cucumber varieties #Minnesota vegetables #short season gardening #transplant timing #soil temperature #frost dates #northern gardening #succession planting

Written By

Dorothy "Dot" Williams

Dot grew up on a small farm in rural Virginia and has maintained a vegetable garden for decades. After retiring from teaching elementary school, she became a Master Gardener volunteer and spends her time mentoring new gardeners at community garden plots in Richmond. She's especially knowledgeable about heirloom varieties, seed saving, and traditional growing methods passed down from her grandmother. Dot's no-nonsense advice comes from extensive trial and error—she's seen every tomato disease, pest problem, and weather disaster imaginable. Her biggest pet peeve is gardeners who overcomplicate simple tasks. "Plants want to grow," she often says. "Your job is to not get in their way."