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.

AAmanda Foster

October 30, 2025

Cucumber seedlings in peat pots ready to plant in Minneapolis Zone 4a garden — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

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.

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

Amanda Foster

Amanda came to gardening through an unexpected route—after developing chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis in her late 20s, she started researching adaptive gardening techniques that would allow her to continue growing plants without aggravating her condition. Now based in Minneapolis, she writes about accessible gardening, raised bed designs for people with mobility challenges, and ergonomic tools that reduce strain. Amanda completed a certificate in sustainable urban agriculture and volunteers with a nonprofit that builds accessible community gardens. She grows vegetables, herbs, and flowers in waist-high raised beds she designed herself. Her writing focuses on practical solutions that work for real people with real limitations—whether that's arthritis, limited mobility, or just a bad back.