About
This climbing or scrambling annual which reaches 3m. It has green lobed leaves with a bristly feel and yellow flowers. These develop into green fruit the size of an egg, which are covered in green, long thick hairs or soft spines. The flesh and pips inside are pale green.
About the genus
Cucumis is a genus of twining plants with tendrils which includes cucumber, melons and gerkins. Around 30 species are native to Africa and 25 to India, Southeast Asia and Australia.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Fruit Edible
HabitTrailing, Climbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesWalls, fences, pergolas, arches.
ToxicityPets: Bitter fruit can be TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a warm sheltered spot or under glass, in moist soil with good drainage and full sun. For more advice see cucumber cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildew and cucumber mosaic virus