How to Plant and Grow Lemon Cucumbers

Usually, when planting an edible garden, whether you're a seasoned pro with a list of favorites or just starting with your first vegetable garden, you'll stick to foods you're familiar with, such as popular tomato varieties or easy-to-grow potatoes. However, it's also fun to experiment with less-common fruits and veggies that you might not usually see at the grocery store. You don't have to plant a whole row of them, but trying just one or two new plants each year could lead to finding an all-time favorite.

Lemon cucumbers (Cucumis sativus 'Lemon') aren't exactly a supermarket staple, but these unusual veggies have many traits that make them a must in your garden.

Despite their name, lemon cucumbers don't have any citrus-like flavor; they taste just like the traditional green, oblong cucumbers you're used to seeing and eating (they're often considered a little less bitter, though). Instead, the "lemon" part of their name refers to their appearance; each one is about the same size and shape as an egg or a lemon and turns yellow when ripe instead of staying green. They almost look like tiny melons (to which they are related) on the vine.

Where to Plant Lemon Cucumbers

Plant lemon cucumbers in rich, well-drained garden soil where the plant receives full sun six to eight hours daily. In the hottest summer months, it appreciates a little light shade. This is a big plant, so space them 4 or 5 feet away from other plants.

The vines reach as much as 8 feet. You can save some space by planting lemon cucumbers near a fence or providing a trellis; they'll need training to climb it, but it can keep your garden neater.

How and When to Plant Lemon Cucumbers

If you want to start the seeds indoors, plant them about three or four weeks before the last spring frost in your area. Usually, it's better to sow the seeds directly outside; you can plant them once the soil temperature is over 60°F. Bury the seeds about 1 inch deep in groups of four to six, with 2 feet of space between each group. Keep the soil evenly moist, and the seeds should sprout in one to two weeks.

Lemon Cucumber Care Tips

Light

Situate your lemon cucumber plants in a spot with full sun, where they will get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily,

Soil and Water

Lemon cucumbers thrive in well-draining soil that has been amended with compost or organic matter.

Keep the lemon cucumber plants well-watered. Typically, the cucumbers need about 2 inches of water every week to thrive, so keep track of how much rain they're getting and give them an extra drink when needed. The soil should be evenly moist but not soggy for the best harvest.

A layer of mulch can help the soil retain moisture while preventing weeds.

Temperature and Humidity

Another perk of growing lemon cucumbers is that they tolerate slightly cooler temperatures than other popular cucumber varieties. They thrive in temperatures between 60°F and 90°F.

Lemon cucumbers grow well in areas of high humidity. In regions with low humidity, a regular water regimen is necessary.

Fertilizer

When planting lemon cucumbers, add compost and a 5-10-10 formulation of slow-release fertilizer to the soil, following the product directions for quantity.

Potting and Repotting Lemon Cucumbers

You can grow lemon cucumbers in a large outdoor container with good drainage. Fill it with well-draining potting soil or garden soil amended with compost. Cover the container and soil with black plastic and place it in the sun. The seeds must have warmth to thrive, and the black plastic warms the soil. Meanwhile, plant two seeds in each of several 4-inch peat pots filled with seed-starting mix and move them to a warm place indoors. The seeds germinate quickly. When the temperature outdoors reaches 70°F, remove the black plastic from the outdoor container.

Dig one or more holes big enough for a 4-inch peat pot and set the germinated seeds along with the peat pot they are in directly into the soil of the container, carefully breaking the sides and bottom of the peat pot slightly with your hands so the roots can grow outside the pot easily. Depending on the size of the container, plant additional pots with seedlings directly into the soil. You may want to add a small trellis to the container. Keep the container watered throughout the season. No further repotting is necessary because these are annual garden plants.

Pests and Problems

Aphids and spider mites are common pests that can be controlled by applications of insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Another problem for lemon cucumber plants is cucumber beetles that eat the foliage, leaving holes in the leaves and flowers. If left alone, they can defoliate a plant. They are challenging to manage, but placing sticky traps at the base of the plants can help, as can knocking the culprits into a container of soapy water.

How to Propagate Lemon Cucumbers

You can propagate lemon cucumbers for a continuous supply of the vegetable every summer by harvesting seed from a healthy plant, but it isn't as simple a process as it seems. Leave a cucumber on the vine several weeks after it is ripe enough to eat to give it time to produce seeds. Then, pick the fruit, cut it in half, and scoop out the seeds and surrounding pulp into a jar or bowl. Add a small amount of water, put the jar in a warm area, and wait two to three days. Add more water and shake the jar. The pulp and some seeds float to the top, while the viable seeds sink to the bottom. Pour off the floating material and water and dry the viable seeds on a paper towel. Store the dried seeds in a cool, dark, dry, sealed container, where they will last for up to five years. Plant them in the garden in spring when the temperature is warmer than 60°F.

When to Harvest Lemon Cucumbers

These veggies grow fast; they're ready to pick as soon as 60 days after planting. You'll know it's time to harvest when the cucumbers start to turn from green to yellow. Don't let them turn a deep yellow, or they'll be overripe and have a bitter taste; pluck them from the vine when they're just starting to change color and about the size of a lemon. As long as you keep picking, the plant will produce more cucumbers.

Lemon cucumbers are a fun way to put a new spin on classic recipes. Try using them to top off a salad, float a couple of slices in a glass of water, or snack on the slices with a yummy dip. One perk of their small size: It's easy to use the entire veggie at once, so you don't have to worry about saving leftover slices! Especially if regular cucumbers appear in your veggie garden every year, try growing this unusual variety for a twist on an old favorite.