Cucumis sativus 'Delistar'
cucumber 'Delistar'
A perennial trailing or climbing plant usually grown as an annual. This variety is suited to indoor growing in pots and containers, producing yellow flowers followed by small, aromatic, sweet and crunchy fruit around 16-18cm in length, with thin skins with no need to peel
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing, 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. Grow up supports to ensure good airflow. See cucumber cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
Pinch out the tip of the plant once it reaches the top of the support to encourage branching. Pick fruit regularly to encourage further 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.