Lemon Cucumber

Cucurbitaceae

American heirloom since 1894 (originally 'Apple cucumber'). Round, lemon-sized, pale yellow. BITTER-FREE skin — also makes vines less attractive to cucumber beetles (~75% confidence). Mild, sweet, faintly citrus flavor. EXTREMELY prolific (40-50 fruits per plant). Vigorous branching vines keep producing. Children love the lemon shape. Dual-purpose: fresh eating and pickling. Harvest at 1½-2½ inches BEFORE turning deep yellow.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

60–70 days

Sun

6+ hours

Container

Yes

5+ gallon pot

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 3–10 days

Optimal Temp 85°F

Seed Depth 1"

Watering

Weekly Water 1–2 "

Needs High

Method Base watering only.

Soil

pH Range 6–6.8

Resilience

Heat: High Cold: Low Drought: Medium

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Heavy feeder

Recommended Recipes Worm castings topdress, Compost tea, Kelp foliar

Harvest

Harvest BEFORE deep/bright yellow — deep yellow = overripe, tougher skin, developed seeds.

Storage 10 days

Sources

seed-catalog Renee's Garden — Lemon Cucumber seed-catalog Thresh Seed Co seed-catalog John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds university University of Minnesota Extension — Growing cucumbers in home gardens university Kansas State University Extension — Bitter cucumbers fact sheet university Colorado State University Extension — PlantTalk: Warm season vegetables (frost tender, best growth temps)

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Lemon Cucumber Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Lemon Cucumber vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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