Before transplanting, dig a few inches of compost or aged manure into the soil. Carefully pop the plant out of its pot, handling the roots carefully as they don’t like to be disturbed. Plant the seedling into the prepared spot, firming the soil gently around the roots. Water well after planting. Trellises and tunnels for cucamelons 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. Cucamelon are Central American fruit that are not a hybrid of melons but part of the curcubitaceae family i.e cucumbers, and for the past few years are the new (almost novelty) vegetable that has come to gardeners attention.

Cucamelon Seeds From D.T.Brown Cucamelon Seeds From D.T.Brown

Day 3 – Give them a half day of sun, but bring them indoors at night if the temperature is forecast to fall below 50 F (10 C). Day 6 – They can be moved to the garden anytime. If the night temperatures are still chilly, wait another few days to transplant, or cover the plants with a cloche or mini hoop tunnel. 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.

Gardeners in warmer climates – zone 7 and above – don’t need to start their seeds indoors. Their season is long enough to direct seed in garden beds once the risk of frost has passed. Cucamelon seeds are quite small so don’t plant them too deeply. Provide bottom heat by placing the trays on a heating mat. This helps speed up germination. Planting cucamelon seeds Various wilts cause the vines to wilt and die. Controls are strict sanitation in the garden and greenhouse. Avoid over-watering, plant in well-drained soil, use long rotations, and use disease resistant varieties when available. Day 2 – Put them outside again but introduce them to an hour or two of early morning or late afternoon sun. Bring them indoors at night if the temperature is forecast to fall below 50 F (10 C). Cucamelons love heat so find a spot in your garden that offers full sun and shelter from strong winds. I plant cucamelons at the base of trellises, tunnels, or other strong supports. The vines look delicate but they can climb eight feet or more and produce many side-shoots. A strong structure is essential. If you have plenty of space, you can let the plants sprawl along the ground. I find it more difficult to find the small fruits when the plants are not grown vertically. Day 1 – Take the plants outside on a mild day and place them in a shady spot. Bring them in that night.

Cucamelon Growing Guide | How To Grow Cucamelon | Sow Seeds Cucamelon Growing Guide | How To Grow Cucamelon | Sow Seeds

Powdery Mildew – An airborne fungal disease that causes white spots on the leaves at the end of the season. Several home-sprays are said to be somewhat effective. Spray any of the following at 7-10 day intervals. 1tsp baking soda and 1 quart of water with a squirt of dish soap, or 1 part milk to 9 parts of water. Resistant varieties get the mildew just a few days later than the other varieties.Begin to harden off cucamelon seedlings around your last expected spring frost date. I don’t rush my plants into the garden as cucamelons are cold sensitive and can sustain damage if the temperature drops or there is a frost. Instead, I begin the process around the last frost date and plant them in my garden beds or containers seven to ten days later when the weather is more settled. When you’re ready to sow the seeds, fill seeding trays or pots with a pre-moistened high quality soilless potting mix. Sow the seeds a quarter inch deep. I like to cover my trays with a sheet of plastic wrap to hold soil moisture. Once the seeds have germinated, I remove the plastic to allow good air flow. 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.