Cool-tolerant cucumbers?

[Cathy A]

Has anyone found, or attempted to breed, cucumbers that can be planted a little early and will germinate and begin to grow in cool soils below 60F or so?

I'm not asking about actual frost tolerance, just ability to germinate and get growing in cool spring soils, rather than sulking as they wait for bright, direct sunlight (a rare thing in New England spring) to heat up soil.

[AndrewB]

I'm not aware of any, but that does not mean they don't exist. If it does not exist, you would be the perfect person to start such a project and push boundaries.

I would start with regionally grown seeds or other northern areas, or Canada. Those would likely have the edge you want already as someone likely has planted them earlier than recommended somewhere.

If someone has the ability to plant hundreds of varities, one could evaluate which grow the best in such conditions and eliminate any that are medium or slow growers in those conditions.

[Adam Igra]

Not Cucumber but Pumpkins are definately more tolerant of about 5 C lower mininum (not frost ofc though). I am growing "Baby Boo" and "Jack Be Little" with the hope they vine like cucumbers, theyre stockier but they do have little grabby tendrils. These are C. Pepo

I believe the other squashes are also hot weather, except C. Maxima which people say is even cold hardier. I believe that includes "Banana Squash" which is like a giant ripe cucumber if you squint your eyes really hard.