The Lemon Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is an heirloom garden favorite known for its unique round shape and golden-yellow skin that resembles a lemon. Don’t let the name fool you — it tastes just like a traditional cucumber, only milder, sweeter, and refreshingly crisp.
This variety thrives in warm, sunny conditions and produces prolific harvests all summer long. The compact vines are well-suited for garden beds, trellises, or containers, making them a versatile and rewarding addition to any vegetable garden.
Features
- 🍋 Distinctive Round Shape: Lemon-sized cucumbers with thin, tender skin.
- 🥗 Mild, Sweet Flavor: Perfect for slicing, pickling, and salads.
- 🌞 Heat-Tolerant: Thrives in warm climates and sunny spots.
- 🌿 High-Yielding Plants: Continuous fruiting all summer long.
- 🏡 Heirloom Variety: Trusted by gardeners for over a century.
Specifications
- Common Name: Lemon Cucumber
- Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus
- Plant Type: Annual vegetable vine
- USDA Zones: 3 – 10
- Maturity: 60 – 70 days
- Fruit Size: 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) diameter
- Fruit Color: Golden yellow skin, pale green flesh
- Soil Type: Loose, fertile, well-drained soil
- Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.0
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Water Needs: Consistent moisture
- Germination Rate: 85–95 %
- GMO Status: 100 % Non-GMO, untreated
Planting Guide
- Sowing Time: Spring to early summer after last frost.
- Seed Depth: ½ inch (1.25 cm).
- Spacing: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart.
- Germination: 7–10 days at 70–85 °F (21–29 °C).
- Support: Use a trellis or cage for straighter fruit and better air flow.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogging.
- Harvest: Pick when fruit is lemon-sized and bright yellow for best flavor.
Care Tips
- Add compost or organic fertilizer before planting.
- Harvest frequently to encourage more fruiting.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and control weeds.
- Rotate crops yearly to avoid soil-borne disease.