PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - CUCAMELON - 65 Finest Seeds

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Once the main shoot has reached a height of 2.5m (8ft), pinch out the growing tip. Pinch out the growing tips of the side shoots when they are 40cm (16″) in length. These small seeds of cucamelon can be given a head start by sowing in seed trays placed in heated propagators, after germination takes place 10 to 14 days later, thinned out into 9cm pots. Or sown late April under cover in 9cm pots with 7 to 10 days germination. Planting begins outdoors when all signs of frost has past or in greenhouse with trellis support provided. Plants will benefit from a growing base of rich moisture retentive soil. Distance Cucamelons are open-pollinated and produce both male and female flowers on the same plant, so you can save the seed from any ripe fruits that fall to the ground. Warm-climate gardeners will find that a few cucamelons left behind will self-seed quite easily.

Cucamelons are a tender perennial; this means they are sensitive to frost but if cared for properly can live for several seasons. Over the course of a season, cucamelons develop an underground tuber.

For best results, seeds should be sown during April and May in a greenhouse or in a propagator. They can also be sown in pots or modular trays on a warm windowsill. Use a seed compost and sow the seeds thinly then cover with 1cm of compost, firm the surface and water with a watering can and rose attachment. Cover pots and trays with clear polythene, to ensure the compost stays moist until germination. It’s important to keep the ambient temperature at around 24C (75F), which will ensure the majority of seeds will successfully germinate. When the seedlings are about 3cm high they can be transplanted into individual 9cm pots of multi-purpose compost. Cucamelon can also be successfully grown in open soil as you would with outdoor tomatoes or cucumbers. Prepare the planting areas in advance then transplant to their permanent positions when it’s safe to do so. Provide support and keep the plants well-watered.

A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. Spacing of 30-40cm between plants for both indoor and out door growing situations. This will ensure productive plants, provided plant support is also in place. While my cucumbers and tomatoes are hanging if they don't get watered once every two days the cucamelons will happily grow and fruit even if I don't water them for a week. This is mainly because the cucamelon has a water storing tuber under the ground. By storing water, it enables itself to tolerate higher temperatures and prolonged dry spells in sunny Mexico. Great as a greenhouse fruit or started indoors early and then set outside like a normal cucumber. Much easier to grow than standard cucumbers, cucamelons have no pests, are drought resistant, and happily grow outside as well as in the greenhouse.

Growing cucamelons – when to harvest?

Including Northern Ireland, the Highlands & Islands, Scilly Isles, Channel Isles and the Isle of Man). Delivery charges to these areas are the same as UK mainland stated below (with no additional surcharge). Delivery however may take longer than the times stated due to weather, distance etc.) Cucamelons typically begin producing 65-75 days after transplanting. Harvest cucamelons when the fruits are the size of small grapes, firm, and bright green. Allow the water to ferment for 1-2 days (not longer); this removes the gel covering around the seed that prevents germination. Sow your cucamelon seeds during April and May. Ideally, you should use a propagator or plant your seeds in the greenhouse where a steady temperature of 22-24ºC (71-75ºF) allows them to germinate in around 10 days. Sow the seed 1 cm deep, with the blunt end facing downwards. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transfer them into 9cm (3½″) pots to grow on. Cucamelon will happily grow in all types of containers, planters and even growbags. Containers should be at least 30cm and placed in a warm sunny position. Transfer to larger containers when the plants are 10cm-15cm high and after all danger of frost has passed. It’s advisable to support the plants on a trellis system, although they can be left to spread across the ground but at the risk of some fruits becoming damaged. Keep plants well-watered during dry weather.