Lemon Cucumber Care
Space seeds 18 to 24 inches apart in mid-spring to early summer. Harden off seedlings grown indoors before transplanting them outside. Plant in rows or hills after the soil temperature has warmed up to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which happens in mid- to late-May in many USDA hardiness zones .
Starting from Seed
Start lemon cucumber seedlings indoors two to four weeks before the last frost date, or if starting them outdoors, sow directly in the soil after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Trellises
To save space, you can grow cucumber vines vertically on trellises. Make sure the trellis structure is strong enough to bear the weight of the mature vines as they produce fruit. Just before or just after planting, install the trellises and locate the cucumber plants at the base of the trellis.
Harvesting
Harvest 1.5-inch lemon cucumbers for pickling and two-inch lemon cucumbers for slicing. Then store them in the fridge.
Common Pests
Aphids and spider mites are among the pests that can be controlled with insecticidal soap. If cucumber beetles are a problem, squish any eggs you see and remove adults by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.
Is it true that lemon cucumbers are excellent for you?
Cucumbers that are lemon yellow in color are delicate and delicious, making them ideal for salads and pickling. Don’t be deceived by the strange form of this heirloom; these brilliant yellow balls are great for salads and pickling. They have a fresh, crisp flavor that is never bitter.
What is the best way to keep lemon cucumbers?
Store cucumbers at room temperature if you want to use them within 1 or 2 days. Cucumbers that are exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit are more likely to rot. Wrap cucumbers in a dry paper towel and place them in a loosely closed plastic bag if you need to keep them refrigerated.
Is it true that lemon cucumbers are prickly?
Start outside — Because members of the cucurbit family (which includes melons, squash, and cucumbers) dislike having their roots disturbed, we attempt to direct-sow those seeds in the garden. The skin of immature cucumbers has little prickly spikes that soften and fall away as the fruit grows.
Is a trellis necessary for lemon cucumbers?
Trellising. Lemon cucumbers may be grown vertically to conserve space, and trellises that can sustain the weight of the plants can also boost the fruit output per plant. Cucumber plants must be “taught” to go up the trellis, since they prefer to sprawl out on the ground.
Why are my cucumbers turning yellow?
Water and food are essential. Yellow cucumbers may be caused by insufficient watering and fertilization. Cukes have short roots that seek moisture, yet they may turn yellow if they are left with damp feet. During dry times, water cucumber plants once weekly, or anytime the top inch of soil seems dry to the touch.
Is it true that lemon cucumbers self-pollinate?
Lemon cucumbers, like other annual cucumbers, grow both male and female flowers on the same plant. Female blossoms, on the other hand, only produce a small cucumber following pollination.
Is it true that lemon cucumbers have been genetically modified?
The Lemon Cucumber hasn’t been genetically engineered in any way. The cucumber flavor is milder than that of a regular cucumber, and it does not have a lemon flavor, despite the name. Lemon cucumbers are grown on vines rather than trees. During the summer, they are generally accessible.
For Hydration
Water content is vital in your body for keeping it internally clean and moisturized. But drinking water daily may be dull for some folks. What if you get a delicious substitute for your normal water?
For Muscles
You would see the benefits of cucumber water in maintaining the health of your connective tissue. The main reason behind that is the presence of silica in cucumbers.
For Bone Health
Lemons and cucumbers are great for improving your bone health. Lemons are good sources of Vitamin C (antioxidants) and Calcium for maintaining your bone health. Lemons would be an amazing citrus fruit for preventing osteoporosis by sustaining your bone density and other problems.
For Your Skin
Lemon and cucumber water benefits your skin and improves your skin texture, impurities, and glow. Lemons contain Vitamin C, a perfect component for your skin as it can slow down aging but fight free radicals.
Low in Calories
Calories are good for your body if you burn them pretty well, and overloading your body with calories would lead to weight gain.
For Antioxidants
Antioxidants will help in making your immune system more efficacious for protecting your body. Antioxidants will act as a protective shield for your whole body. You should drink lemon and cucumber water to get a good amount of antioxidants.
For Brain Health
You will see lemon and cucumber water benefits in improving your brain health. Some reports say that drinking a glass of cucumber water will help your brain health. It contains fisetin (a type of flavonol) that helps in improving memory power, concentration, and overall brain functioning.
Plant Photos and Identification
Echinocystis lobata is an annual vine, setting fruit that resemble small, prickly cucumbers. It’s a member of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). They look similar to bur cucumbers (Sicyos angulatus).
Are wild cucumbers safe to eat or poisonous?
While they may look and smell like garden cucumbers, wild cucumber fruit is not safe to eat. It causes stomach upset, diarrhea, and even burning reactions for some people. Handle the fresh fruit with caution.
What is wild cucumber good for?
The flowers of wild cucumber smell wonderful (at least to me), and the fruit is ornamental. Some people train the vines over a fence or pergola.
Is wild cucumber invasive?
While fast growing – the vines can reach 30 feet in a season – the vines are native to North America. They are not an invasive species in the U.S. and Canada.
Medicinal Uses of Echinocystis lobata
Peterson’s Field Guide to Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs states:
More Wildcrafting and Foraging Information
You may also enjoy other posts in the Weekly Weeder Series and Herbs and Wildcrafting, including:
