Cucumber (Kheera) is one of the most profitable and high-demand vegetables in Pakistan. By growing it in tunnels, farmers can enjoy early harvests, higher yields, and better quality compared to open-field cultivation. In this guide, we will cover the key steps of sowing cucumber in tunnels, including seed selection, fertilisers, water management, fungicides, and insecticides.
1️⃣ Seed Selection
The foundation of a good cucumber crop starts with choosing the right seed.
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Always select hybrid tunnel varieties suited for off-season farming. These varieties are resistant to common diseases and give better fruit size and shape.
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Prefer seeds from reputable companies (e.g., Nunhems, Syngenta, Rijk Zwaan, East-West Seeds).
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One acre of tunnel usually requires around 10,000 of hybrid seed.
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Seeds should be sown in plug trays or nursery beds for better germination before transplanting into the tunnel.
2️⃣ Fertilisers & Nutrition
Cucumber is a fast-growing crop and needs balanced nutrition at every stage.
Before Sowing:
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Apply well-rotted farmyard manure (10–12 tons per acre) to enrich the soil.
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Add DAP or MAP at the time of bed preparation for phosphorus support.
After Transplanting (via drip irrigation preferred):
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Vegetative Stage (0–25 days): Nitrogen-rich fertilisers like Urea or Ammonium Sulphate to boost vine growth.
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Flowering & Fruiting Stage: Balanced NPK is critical. Use SOP (Sulphate of Potash) and calcium to improve fruit setting and quality.
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Micronutrients (Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Zinc) should be applied weekly through foliar sprays or drip.
💡 Tip: Avoid over-fertilisation – excess nitrogen leads to more leaves and fewer fruits.
3️⃣ Water Stress & Irrigation
Water management is key in tunnel farming.
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Cucumbers need a consistent moisture level; irregular watering causes fruit deformation and bitter taste.
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Use drip irrigation for uniform supply.
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In summer, water daily for short intervals. In cooler months, water every 2–3 days.
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Never let the soil dry out completely; cucumbers are sensitive to water stress and this directly reduces yield.
4️⃣ Fungicides & Disease Control
Cucumber is prone to fungal diseases like downy mildew, powdery mildew, anthracnose, and damping-off.
Preventive Plan:
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Use Alliete / Ridomil Gold (for downy mildew & root rot).
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Nativo / Headline for powdery mildew and leaf spots.
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Ensure good ventilation in the tunnel to reduce humidity.
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Rotate fungicides (don’t rely on one chemical only) to prevent resistance.
5️⃣ Insecticide & Pest Control
Common insect pests in cucumber tunnels include:
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Aphids & Whiteflies (transmit viruses)
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Thrips (cause silvering on leaves)
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Fruit flies (damage fruits)
Control Plan:
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Use Imidacloprid / Confidor or Movento for sucking pests.
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Emamectin Benzoate or Spinosad for caterpillars and thrips.
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Install yellow sticky traps inside the tunnel to monitor insect activity.
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Keep the tunnel netting tight to block insect entry.
✅ Final Tips for Success
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Maintain tunnel temperature between 22–30°C for optimum growth.
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Train cucumber vines properly to reduce overlapping and improve air circulation.
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Harvest regularly to encourage continuous fruiting.
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Always practice integrated pest management (IPM) – combining chemical sprays with biological and cultural practices for long-term success.
✍️ Conclusion
Cucumber tunnel farming can be a highly profitable venture if managed correctly. From selecting the right seeds to ensuring balanced nutrition, proper watering, and pest control, every step plays a vital role in achieving maximum yield. By following this guide, farmers can secure a healthy crop and achieve premium market returns.
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