Cucumbers grow well indoors in a container when given the required growing conditions. Bush cucumbers varieties are well suited for indoor containers, as well as outdoor ones, because they grow in one-third the space of vine varieties. Some container bush varieties include "Patio Pickler" for pickling cucumbers and "Bush Whopper" and "Bush Champion" for slicing and salads. Cucumbers are easy to grow indoors as long you have a sunny window and give the plants the care they require.
Choose a container large enough to accommodate the cucumbers as they grow. A container that measures at least 8 inches wide by 12 inches deep is ideal.
Combine one part each of potting soil, sphagnum peat moss, perlite and compost to make a potting mix. For transplants, fill the pot three-quarters full of the potting medium, place the cucumber plant in container and then add the rest of the soil, filling in around the plant. Water the plant thoroughly, allow soil to settle and, if needed, fill the pot until soil level is within 3/4 inch of the container top. For seeds, fill the container to almost full, place about five seeds in the middle of the pot and cover them with about 1/2 inch of soil. Water well.
Choose a location near a sunny window in the home to set the container. Cucumbers require at least five hours of sunlight daily.
Check the soil daily to determine watering needs. If the soil feels dry, add water, because cucumbers need moderate amounts of water before flowering and heavy amounts of water once they flower on through until harvest.
Fertilize plants once a week using a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer, making sure to water thoroughly each time you apply fertilizer.
Things You Will Need
- Potting soil
- Sphagnum peat moss
- Watering can or hose
- When planting seeds, thin the seedlings down to one plant per pot by cutting off weaker plants with a pair of shears.
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