Cucumis sativus 'Crystal Lemon'

RHS Plant Profile
cucumber 'Crystal Lemon'

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cucumber 'Crystal Lemon' RHS
Climber Wall Shrub
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A vigorous climbing cucumber suitable for growing outdoors or under glass. Leaves are mid-green and lobed, and yellow flowers are followed by round, yellow fruit from midsummer to early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cucurbitaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Pets: Bitter fruit can be TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Cucumis is a genus of twining plants with tendrils which includes cucumber, melons and gerkins. Around 30 species are native to Africa and 25 to India, Southeast Asia and Australia.
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Start plants in a heated greenhouse, or on a windowsill. Can be moved to an unheated greenhouse, or outdoors, once all risk of frost has passed. Plant out in rich soil with plenty of organic matter, water regularly, and feed every 10-14 days. See the Grow Your Own pages on vegetable cultivation for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Pruning

Grow up supports to ensure good airflow and keep plants off the ground, and remove the tip of the plant once it reaches the top of the support to encourage branching. Pick fruit regularly once they are about the size of a tennis ball, to encourage more fruit production

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite when grown under glass, or to slugs and snails when grown outdoors

Diseases

May be susceptible to cucumber mosaic virus and powdery mildews