Cucumber

Basic Information

Seed Number

8

Seed Name

Cucumber

Variety

Jelly Melon

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Jelly melon / African horned kiwano

Planting Method

Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 7

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

April, May, June

Indoor Start

Apr 7 – Apr 14

Direct Sow

Not Recommended

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

4 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

5–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

75-95°F

Planting Depth

1/2 in

Plant Spacing

18-24 in

Row Spacing

5-6 ft

Thin-To Spacing

Not recorded

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

About 1 in/week; maintain consistent moisture

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

Minimum Container Size

10 gal with strong trellis

Plant Height

Vining; 5-10+ ft

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

Yes

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow or start indoors 2–3 weeks early
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 20 – Jul 20
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 50–75 days
Container Friendly: Yes, 5+ gal with trellis
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary
Succession / Reusable Notes: Succession sow every 2–3 weeks through mid-July.
Zone 6B Notes: Warm soil improves germination. Trellis to save space.
Companion Plants: Dill, beans, peas, corn, radish, nasturtium, marigold, calendula, sunflower
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Potatoes, aromatic herbs crowded at roots
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Jelly melon is a long-season tropical cucurbit. Starting indoors is preferred in Southeast Michigan to maximize the frost-free season.
Germination: Warm soil is important. Handle roots gently when transplanting.
Harvest: Fruit ripens from green toward deep orange; mature fruit has lime-green jelly-like flesh.
Seed Saving: Allow fruit to fully ripen before extracting, cleaning and drying seed.
Special Care: Vigorous vine with spiny fruit; use a strong trellis and gloves when harvesting if needed.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/jelly-melon-african-horned-kiwano — African horned kiwano identity, fruit characteristics and warm-season culture
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/blog/post/how-to-grow-jelly-melon — Cucumis metuliferus annual habit, trellising and cucumber-like care
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]