Why are cucumbers green?

They won't tell anyone their secrets, but it seems to be a matter of camouflage, so that a predator won't eat the plant's seeds before they mature, sprout and take root. Plants with colorful fruit usually depend on the intervention of an animal for opening the ripe fruit and distributing seeds. read more

Because they reflect the green wavelength of light, about 510 nm, and all the other wavelengths are absorbed by the cucumber. read more

Cucumbers are susceptible to squash bugs, 1/2-inch-long, flattened, speckled insects that feed on foliage. Leaves develop light speckles that turn yellow before turning brown. A severe infestation may cause the entire plant to wilt and die. The University of California IPM recommends removing and destroying squash bugs by hand as they appear. read more

A cucumber is normally considered ripe when it is bright medium to dark green and firm. You should avoid cucumber harvesting when cucumbers are yellow, puffy, have sunken areas, or wrinkled tips. These are well beyond being ripe and should be discarded promptly. read more