Also known as Cucumber / Melon · 325 saves
Cucumis
Cucumis, the genus most gardeners know as cucumber / melon. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Cucumis varieties
2 species of Cucumis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cucumis in Sow
Save the Cucumis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cucumis
Whats common across all Cucumis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Cucumis year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost.
- StakeApril and May100% of varieties
Install trellis or cage at planting time to support vines.
- HarvestJune–September100% of varieties
Harvest fruits when 2-4 inches long; pick daily to encourage production.
- FertilizeMay–August100% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly once vines start to flower.
- Check for PestsMay–August86% of varieties
Monitor for cucumber beetles and signs of powdery mildew.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide full sun for optimal growth
- Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist 💧
- Support vines with trellises
- Water deeply and consistently to keep soil moist 💧
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not plant in poorly drained soil
- Avoid excessive fertilization which can lead to lush but weak plants
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Cucumis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Cucumber beetles | Chewed leaves, presence of beetles | Use row covers and handpick beetles |
| Cucumber Beetles | Chewed leaves and holes in fruit | Use row covers and handpick beetles |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply neem oil or fungicide early |
| Downy Mildew | Yellow patches on upper leaf surfaces | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Cucumis
Seed
- Tuck seeds 1 inch deep into moist soil in early spring
- Maintain consistent moisture for 6 weeks
- Thin seedlings to strongest plants after germination
seeds
- Tuck seeds ½ inch deep in moist soil in late spring.
- Maintain soil temperature at 70–95°F for germination.
- Keep soil consistently moist during sprouting.
- Thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart after emergence.
- Harvest cucumbers approximately 50–60 days after planting.
Cucumis questions
How many types of Cucumis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Cucumis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 325 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cucumis grow in?
Across its varieties, Cucumis covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cucumis bloom?
Most Cucumis varieties bloom in summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cucumis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.