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Cucumis sativus
Cucumber
| Sweet and juicy for breakfast or dessert, these melons are rich in vitamins A and C. Native to tropical Africa, they like long, hot summers where day temperatures reach at least 80º F and night does not fall below 55º F. Casaba and Honeydew melons are close relations with a similar culture. Plant in spring when day temperatures reach 60º F and danger of frost has passed. Sow 2 seeds or transplants, 4 to 6 feet apart, in 4-inch-high, flat-topped hills full of well-rotted manure and compost. Each vine produces 2 to 3 fruits, so 3 to 5 hills are enough for one person. To save space, train on a trellis where plant only needs 1 square foot of ground. Fertilize and water regularly. Keep leaves dry to reduce mildew. Mulch with hay to protect from moisture and rot. In cool summer areas, plant extra-early varieties and mulch with black plastic to raise soil temperature. Harvest when bottom of melon turns deep yellow and the skin turns from shiny or powdery to dull, usually 85 to 100 days. When ready, fruit should separate easily from vine. Honeydews and Casabas can be stored up to a month. |
Grow cukes in greenhouses, clumps, low, flat-topped hills, or for straighter fruit, on fences, trellises, or wire cages. Plant dwarf bush varieties in containers or where space is limited.
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Attributes - Cucumis sativus
Plant Type: Vegetable
Height: 10 in. to 1 ft.
Width: 8 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Notes: Edible.
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Related Plants
Cucumis melo 'Ambrosia', Cucumis 'Fanfare', Cucumis sativus 'Burpless'
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