Lemon Cucumbers can be a treat for gardeners who want to grow a variety of vegetables; the growing and caring process is quite easy.
Learn how to grow Lemon Cucumbers in this guide with all the important tips and tricks that make your planting procedure easier.
USDA Zones: 2-10 (Annual)
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Lemon Cucumbers Information
Lemon cucumbers (Cucumis sativus ‘Lemon) are native to India; this climbing vegetable vine belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family—the common name derived due to the lemon-like appearance of the fruit. The lemon cucumber tastes sweet with a mild cucumber flavor; the flesh is lime green, crisp, and fresh. This cucumber variety is perfect for pickling, salads, or consuming instantly with the vine.
The vine can grow up to 6-8 feet tall; during mid to late summer and early fall, bright yellow flowers appear that give way to yellow, round tennis ball-size cucumbers.
Read: How to Grow Watermelon
How to Propagate Lemon Cucumbers
- Lemon cucumbers can be started from seed in mid-spring to early summer.
- You can start seedlings of lemon cucumbers indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date.
- If growing outdoors, sow the seeds in the soil after the threat of frost has passed. Also, the soil has to be warm up to 65 F. Plant them in hills or rows in mid to late May for the majority of USDA Zones.
- You can start seeds indoors in milk jugs or seed trays.
- Use good quality seed starting mix.
- Pre-moisten the soil before planting the seeds, but do not oversaturate it.
- Sow the seeds at 18-24 inches apart if you have a large area, then space cucumbers at 36-90 inches apart. For compact areas, use a trellis or other support and train them well.
- Poke the seeds in the soil and cover them lightly.
TIP: While growing indoors, harden off the Seedlings before moving them outdoors.
Read: How to Grow Watermelon from Seeds
Ideal Growing Conditions for Lemon Cucumbers
Light
Grow lemon cucumbers in areas with 6-10 hours of full sunlight. While growing indoors, choose a sunny spot on a south-facing window.
Soil
Lemon cucumbers prefer well-draining, rich soil and blend it with well-rotted manure or compost. The ideal pH has to be 6.5-7.0.
Water
When seeds are germinating, the soil has to be evenly moist. Once seedlings emerge, resume regular watering to promote the cucumber set flowers.
To keep the soil moist, provide one inch of water per week. Do remember irregular watering results in bitter-tasting fruits. In hot and dry climates, water plants several times every week so the soil doesn’t dry out.
Make sure to avoid overwatering and water directly at the base of the plant. Never splash water on the leaves to prevent powdery mildew. You can take the help of a soaker hose or irrigation system for watering.
Temperature
Lemon cucumbers are an excellent choice for cool climates. They need minimal heat to ripen compared to other cucumber varieties and are less probably taste bitter. The plants grow well in temperatures above 60 F and below 90 F
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Lemon Cucumbers Care
Fertilizer
Blend phosphorus with compost or mix in low nitrogen 5-10-10 fertilizer before the planting cucumber. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizer as it leads to leaf growth or may burn the plant. Feed the plants every two weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer.
Mulch
During planting, place a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or straw, near the plant. It will maintain moisture, keep the roots cool, stop the fruit from touching the soil, and prevent pests. Avoid using mulch that is more than three inches thick, as excessive mulch can intensify slug problems.
Support
Growing cucumber vertically is a good space-saving idea. Use a sturdy trellis that bears the weight of an established plant when it forms fruits. Install the trellis before or after planting, and place the cucumber vine at the base of the support or trellis.
Secure the tendrils to the trellis using twist ties, garden tape, plant ties, or velcro.
Pests and Diseases
Spider mites and aphids can attack the plant; you can control them using insecticidal soap. If cucumber beetles are troubling you, crush any eggs when you notice them. Handpick adults and trash them in a soapy water solution.
Harvesting
You can harvest the fruit for pickling; they are 1.5-inch and 2-inch fruits for slicing. Store the cucumbers in the refrigerator. The fruit can be harvested in 60 days after planting.
Read: Zucchini vs. Cucumber
Lemon Cucumbers vs. Regular Cucumbers
When talking about taste, lemon cucumber tastes like a regular one, they are less bitter. Lemon cucumbers are round and yellow, whereas regular ones are oblong in shape.