Franz Werner Tamm, no rights reserved (CC0) · Wikimedia Commons

Cucumis spp.

melons & cucumbers

Overview

Cucumis spp. is a genus of about 65 species of annual and perennial vines in the family Cucurbitaceae, native chiefly to Africa with some species in Asia. Plants climb or trail by branched tendrils along stems 3-10 ft (0.9-3 m) long, with broad, lobed, often rough-hairy leaves. The five-petaled flowers are yellow, 0.5-1.5 in (1.5-4 cm) across, usually with separate male and female flowers on the same plant. C. sativus, the cucumber, and C. melo, melon and cantaloupe, are major food crops grown worldwide, while wild species range from sweet to intensely bitter. The fruit is a fleshy, many-seeded berry that varies enormously, from smooth cucumbers to netted melons and small spiny gourds. Many wild and some cultivated forms contain bitter cucurbitacins, which can cause stomach upset when present at high levels. Plants are warm-season growers, killed by frost, and need long, warm summers to ripen fruit. They are prone to powdery mildew and cucumber beetles.

Native Range

Cucumis spp. is native mainly to Africa, the center of diversity for the genus, with additional species in Asia and Australia. Cucumber C. sativus originated in South Asia, while melons C. melo trace to Africa and Asia. Wild species grow in savanna, scrub, and disturbed ground across the Old World tropics and subtropics.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens and on trellises, fences, and arbors for fresh cucumbers, melons, and pickling fruit. Compact bush types suit containers and small plots. The flowers draw bees and other pollinators into the garden.

How to Identify

Look for trailing or climbing vines with branched tendrils, broad lobed leaves, and yellow five-petaled flowers. The fruit is a fleshy berry, smooth or warty, holding many flat seeds in juicy flesh. Separate male and female flowers on the same plant and the rough, bristly stems are typical of the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 10'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Summer

Flowering begins in early summer and continues until frost, generally June to September, with male flowers opening first. Bees move pollen between male and female flowers, which is required for fruit set. Flowering and fruiting overlap through the warm season.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-4 months

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH near 6.0 to 7.0. Seed is sown after the soil warms and frost has passed, and vines are trained on the ground or up supports. Steady moisture and warmth support full fruit set, while drought stress and cool spells cause bitterness and poor set. Bees are needed for pollination, so broad-spectrum sprays are timed to protect them. Plants are prone to powdery mildew, and wide spacing and air flow reduce disease.

Pruning

Pinching the growing tips encourages branching and more female flowers on some types. Spent and misshapen fruit is removed to keep plants producing. Vines are trained and thinned on supports to improve air flow and reduce mildew.