Growing cucumbers in Spain

Scope the Almería greenhouse system

Spain has several cucumber production contexts. The figures below describe the greenhouse cluster around Almería, not every Spanish region.

A major protected-crop area

The Junta de Andalucía reported 621,000 tonnes of cucumber production in Almería’s 2024/25 campaign and 5,345 ha of cucumber under biological control. The latter is the area reported under that practice, not total planted area.⁵

Market types differ

Andalusian market reporting distinguishes long Almería cucumbers, French types and short cucumbers. Confirm the buyer’s type and size specification before selecting seed and greenhouse cycle.²

Plan transplanting and crop density

Treat density as a trial reference

An IFAPA La Mojonera greenhouse experiment transplanted cucumber at 2 plants/m² in September 2018. It is a documented trial layout, not a universal density recommendation for every variety or greenhouse.³

Use the crop cycle to plan labour

The Poniente Almeriense short-cycle model allows about six weeks from transplanting to first production and about three and a half months of production. Confirm the production cycle with the seed supplier and buyer.¹

Balance irrigation, humidity and ventilation

Avoid excess greenhouse humidity

RAIF reports higher fungal-disease risk when winter cucumber houses stay humid and leaves remain wet. Ventilation and irrigation should reduce condensation and drip while protecting crop water status.⁴

Read yield examples in context

A Junta cost model for a short-cycle Dutch cucumber in Poniente Almeriense reports 8–11 kg/m², with 9.5 kg/m² most common among the surveyed farms. This is a local sample, not a guaranteed yield or national average.¹

Start integrated pest management before transplant

Exclude and monitor whitefly

RAIF identifies Bemisia tabaci as an important vector of ToLCNDV in cucurbits. Start with healthy planting material, greenhouse screens and clean doors; use yellow traps and leaf-underside scouting to detect entry early.⁴

Protect beneficial organisms

Biological control is a core part of protected horticulture in Almería. Remove crop residues and weed hosts, release or conserve appropriate beneficial organisms, and only use products authorised for the crop and pest when monitoring justifies it.^4,5

Keep records by cycle

Track pest counts, ventilation, irrigation, disease symptoms and picking grades across each greenhouse cycle so changes are tied to a specific house and planting date.⁴

Schedule picking and commercial removal

Align harvest to the market channel

The regional market report shows cucumber marketed mainly October–February, with historical peaks in November and December. Fruit length and type vary: Almería types are long, while French and short types are smaller.²

Use economics as a local reference

The regional short-cycle cost model describes one greenhouse production system and its surveyed crop costs. Rebuild the budget for the current energy, labour, seed, water and buyer terms before expanding.¹

Frequently asked questions

Where is most greenhouse cucumber grown in Spain?

The guide focuses on Almería. Andalusian reporting places the main protected cucumber area in Almería and Granada, with Almería the larger production centre.

When are cucumbers transplanted in Almería?

A Poniente Almeriense short-cycle cost model uses a mid-September transplant. Other greenhouse cycles and open-field regions differ.

What is a typical Almería greenhouse cucumber yield?

A regional short-cycle cost survey reported 8–11 kg/m², most often 9.5 kg/m². It is a local reference, not a guaranteed yield.

How many cucumber plants per square metre?

An IFAPA La Mojonera trial used 2 plants/m². Check current cultivar and greenhouse recommendations before using that trial density.

What is the main greenhouse pest risk?

Whitefly is important both for direct feeding and virus transmission. Screen openings, scout leaves and traps, remove crop residues, and protect beneficial insects.