Lemon Cucumbers can be a great option for your kitchen garden, thanks to their delicious taste and quirky looks!
Lemon Cucumbers, as the name suggests, look like citrus, which makes them quite a unique addition to any garden! Here are all the growing details.
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Lemon Cucumber Information
Native to India, lemon cucumbers (Cucumis sativus ‘Lemon’) are climbing vegetable vines from the Cucurbitaceae family. They have an appearance similar to a lemon in color and size. However, they do not have a citrus flavor.
The plant can climb up to 6-8 feet tall and features bright yellow blooms in mid to late summer and early fall that gives way to yellow cucumbers the size of a small tennis ball. They have a cool, crisp texture with a mildly sweet taste suitable for pickling and salads.
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Propagating Lemon Cucumbers
From Seeds
Sow seeds in a good-quality seed-starting or well-draining potting mix. Water well and keep the pot where it gets plenty of bright but indirect light.
From Seedlings
You can start the seedlings indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date. For outdoors, plant the seedlings directly in the soil after the danger of frost has passed.
Requirements for Growing Lemon Cucumbers
Light
Cucumbers love a warm location with a minimum of 6-7 hours of direct sunlight daily. Do not choose a shady and windy spot, as it will result in leggy growth with fewer or no fruits.
Remember, the more sunlight the plant gets, the better it will be for the number and quality of cucumbers.
Soil
Lemon Cucumbers prefer well-draining and loose soil with plenty of organic matter and neutral pH. For containers, enrich the soil with good-quality compost or organic cattle manure.
Water
Regular and deep watering is the key to getting a productive cucumber harvest. If you want the best quality and juicy cucumbers, keep the soil slightly on the moist side all the time. Water the plant when the topsoil feels a little dry to the touch.
While watering, avoid wetting the foliage as it may encourage fungal diseases like mildew.
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Lemon Cucumber Care
Fertilizer
At the time of planting, mix all-purpose slow-release fertilizer in the soil. Once the plant starts to flower, side-dress with aged manure and apply balanced liquid fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Refrain from fertilizing the plant every week, especially when flowering and fruiting.
Mulch
Apply a layer of organic mulch like shredded leaves, straw, or any organic material that conserves moisture, keeps roots cool, and protects the plant from pests.
If you’re growing cucumber in your garden, it’s important to mulch around the base of the plant to improve the soil’s moisture-retaining ability.
Pests and Diseases
Save Lemon Cucumbers from anthracnose, powdery mildew, downy mildew, and leaf spot. Look for aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and other common garden pests. Use an insecticidal soap solution to keep them at bay.
Regularly check your plants for early signs, provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and grow resistant varieties.
Support and Trellis
Choose a 5 to 6 feet tall sturdy trellis. You can also use plastic or bamboo poles. Using an “A-frame trellis” will help the plant to crawl up easily. You can also use coir ropes to direct the vines.
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Harvesting Lemon Cucumbers
Lemon Cucumbers will be ready for harvest in 60 to 90 days, depending more on the variety and growing conditions. Pick them when they are developed enough, firm on touch, smooth to look, and crunchy in taste. Do not let the fruits overripe!
