Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Pets: Bitter fruit can be TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- 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.
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a glasshouse, polytunnel or under a cloche or cold frame in a sunny, warm spot. See How to grow: melons for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Edible fruit
Pruning
In a greenhouse train on the support. In cold frame pinch out the growing point at the fifth leaf to encourage side shoots. Train the four shoots into an X shape. Under cloches, train one pair each way
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails and red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, fusarium wilt and cucumber mosaic virus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.