Cucumis spp.
melons & cucumbers
Overview
Cucumis 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 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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
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
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Days to Maturity
50–85 days
Plant Spacing
18 inches