Growing cucamelons from seed is easier than you might think. In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to grow them and share expert tips for success.
Learn the ideal methods to use and exactly when to sow cucamelon seeds, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to plant them.
We’ll also show you how to care for seedlings, pot them, transplant them to your outdoor garden, and more.
Overview of growing cucamelon from seeds
How long does it take from sowing to harvesting?
If you grow a cucamelon from seed, it usually takes about 60 to 70 days for it to grow sufficiently to start producing fruit.
Flowers usually begin to bloom about a month after being planted outdoors. Once pollination is complete, small fruits begin to grow.
The exact time frame depends on environmental factors such as temperature, sunlight, and humidity levels.
How to start seeds
There are two ways to grow cucamelon seeds. One is to start growing them indoors, and the other is to sow them directly into your garden. Learn more about each seed starting method here.
Start indoors – For best results, we recommend starting indoors. This allows you to control the environment, facilitates consistent germination, and allows for a few extra weeks to ripen, resulting in faster fruiting. Direct sowing – If you want to sow directly into your garden, plant the seeds in groups of about 4 to 6, 3 inches apart. Wait until the ground is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures can be checked with a soil thermometer.
When to plant cucamelon seeds
You should start growing cucamelon seeds indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the average spring frost.
If direct sowing, sow 1 to 2 weeks after the last spring frost when soil temperatures are between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Cucamelon seeds will not germinate in soil colder than 60°F.
How to prepare seeds for planting
Although not required, try soaking cucamelon seeds in room temperature water for 24 hours before planting.
This will help soften the seed coat and speed up germination.
Cucamelon seeds germination time
On average, you can expect the seedlings to take 4 to 13 days to begin emerging from the soil.
If you want to fast-track this process indoors, use a heat mat to keep it warm and ensure the soil stays moist throughout the germination period.
Covering the tray with a lid or clear plastic wrap also helps retain moisture and warmth.
What do the seedlings look like?
Cucamelon seedlings look a bit like cucumber or melon seedlings, only a little smaller. When it first emerges, it has two pale green oval cotyledons, or seed leaves.
The true leaves will soon develop. The true leaves are heart-shaped with serrated edges and may have a slightly fuzzy texture.
Related article: How to grow cucamelon (mouth melon)
How to care for cucamelon seedlings
Once your seeds germinate, it’s important to give them the proper care they need to grow strong and healthy from the start. My tips for success are:
light
Make sure your seedlings receive a consistent light source to prevent them from growing too long and weakening their stems and roots.
To accomplish this, always hang a grow light a few inches above the tray and use an outlet timer to automatically turn it on for 14 to 16 hours per day.
water
When the top inch feels dry to the touch, water to evenly moisten the soil. Avoid standing water as this may inhibit the growth of the seedlings.
Getting the balance right can be difficult, so we recommend using a moisture meter and keeping the reading between 3 and 5.
temperature
Cucamelon seedlings grow best at temperatures between 70 and 80°F. You can monitor this using a thermometer probe and place the tray on a heat mat to keep the soil warm.
Avoid exposing seedlings to extreme temperatures as this can stress the plants.
fertilizer
Once your cucamelon seedlings develop their true leaves, start feeding them with compost tea or a half-strength organic fertilizer.
air circulation
Once most of the seeds in the tray have germinated, it is recommended to give them some fresh air. This will prevent mold from forming and help you grow stronger seedlings.
To do this, leave the lid open for several days and eventually remove it completely. Check the soil moisture level frequently after this, as removing the lid will speed up drying.
thinning
If you plant cucamelon seeds close together, you will need to thin out the seedlings as they grow. Otherwise, overcrowding will occur and growth will be stunted.
As soon as they are a few inches tall, choose the ones that look sturdy and pinch or cut off the rest.
potting up
As soon as the seedlings are twice the height of the tray, they should be transplanted into larger containers. This gives them the room they need to grow.
We find that using biodegradable pots makes it easier to plant seedlings in the garden and reduces the risk of shock. However, plastic seedling pots are also good and have the advantage of being reusable.
transplant
Once you have at least two sets of true leaves, the ground is warm enough, and the danger of frost has passed, you can transplant your cucamelon seedlings into your garden.
However, the seedlings must be hardened off before being planted outdoors. This prepares your dog for life outdoors and is an important step you must take. You may not be able to live without it.
FAQ
To germinate cucamelon seeds faster, try soaking them in room temperature water for 24 hours before sowing. After planting, keep the soil at 70-80°F and keep it moist at all times.
Although not required, soaking cucamelon seeds in water before planting softens the skin and speeds germination.
No, cucamelon seeds do not require light to germinate. In fact, seeds will germinate better if they are grown in a dark or low-light area. However, once the seedlings begin to emerge from the soil, they will need steady light.
If you’re tired of struggling and want to learn how to grow your favorite plants from seeds, enroll in my online seed starting course. This is a great, fun, self-paced course that will teach you everything you need to know to easily grow seedlings at your own pace. Sign up and get started today!
Or, if you just need a refresher, my Start Seeds Indoors e-book is perfect. A quick start guide to help you plant your seeds in no time.
Learn more about growing seeds
Share your tips for planting and growing cucamelons from seed in the comments below.
Printable step-by-step instructions
How to plant cucamelon seeds
Discover how to grow cucamelons from seed by following my step-by-step instructions. Learn the best time to plant, the most effective techniques to use, how to care for seedlings, and how to safely transplant them into your garden.
Instructions
Fill the tray – Use a hand trowel to fill the tray with well-drained seed starting soil or add plantable pellets to moisten the medium. Decide how many seeds to plant – If the seeds are new, you can just plant them. One per hole. However, if they are old or have low survival rates, plant 2-3 per hole and thin them out later. Sow the seeds – Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep. You can either make a hole and drop it into the hole, or you can place it on top and press it lightly into the soil. To sow directly into the garden, dig a shallow trench and plant the seeds in groups of 4 to 6, 3 inches apart. Cover with soil – Cover the seeds with 1/2 inch of medium and press down gently to cover the soil. Water the field – Pour water into the tray and let it absorb into the soil. Make sure the medium is moist but not soggy. Cover the tray – If possible, cover the tray with a lid or loosely with plastic wrap. Keep the tray warm – Place the seed tray in a warm place between 70 and 80°C. F. Use a heat mat to provide warmth if needed.
Precautions
Keep the medium constantly moist while the seeds are germinating. If it’s too wet or too dry, it may not grow. It can be monitored using a moisture meter. As soon as the seedlings begin to emerge from the soil, turn on your grow lights and always hang them a few inches above the seedlings. Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, they can be potted into 4-inch potting or plastic nursery containers.
