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Growing Green Striped Pickling Melon in the Vegetable Garden
You can either start seeds indoors or sow them directly outdoors after the last frost. If starting indoors, plant seeds in biodegradable pots about 3-4 weeks before the last frost date to allow for easy transplanting. For optimal growth, amend the garden soil before planting with organic compost or well-balanced fertilizer. If sowing directly outdoors, wait until the soil has warmed to at least 70 F for best germination. Plant the seeds .5-1 inch deep, 48-72 inches apart in rows 4-6 feet apart. Closer spacing is possible with good ventilation and trellising. Once the seedlings have sprouted, thin them out to one plant per hill or cluster to avoid competition for resources.
Deep watering is recommended to encourage a strong root system. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot or disease. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, depending on your climate. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. As the plants grow, you can apply a side dressing of fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium (such as 5-10-10) to support flower and fruit development.
As the vines grow, prune back excessive side shoots to direct energy into fruit production. You can use row covers early in the season to protect young plants. If you're using a trellis, gently train the vines by tying them loosely to the support as they grow. This method keeps the fruit off the ground and reduces the risk of rot or pests.
Harvesting Green Striped Pickling Melon
These melons are typically ready to harvest about 70 days after planting. You can tell they're ready when they reach their full size of around 10-12 inches in length, and the skin develops its distinctive pale green color with dark green stripes. The aroma will become stronger and more fragrant as they ripen.
Gently twist or cut the melon from the vine using pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. If you allow the melon to stay on the vine too long, it may become overly soft and lose its crisp texture. For pickling, harvest the fruits slightly smaller when they’re at their crispiest stage.
About Green Striped Pickling Melon Garden Seeds
The Green Striped Pickling Melon has its origins in Armenia, where it has been cultivated for hundreds of years. It is sometimes referred to as the Armenian Cucumber, even though it is technically a melon.
Other alternate names for this melon include: ao shima uri, bai gua, cai gua, Chinese white cucumber, pickling melon, tsit kwa, uet kwa, and yue gua.
Pickled Melon Recipe: Peel, de-seed, and cut the melon into 4 cups of two-inch strips. Boil water, vinegar, and sugar (about 1 cup of each) with just under 1 tbsp of salt and a heaping pile of shaved fresh ginger for about 5-6 minutes. Add the melon and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. Allow to cool. Put into jars and refrigerate for a few weeks.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"When training your melons to grow vertically, try loosely tying up the vines to a trellis with cotton fabric scraps. This material is gentle on the vines and allows the plant to breathe while guiding it in the right direction."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Green Striped Pickling Melon Seeds Per Package:
- 500 mg - Wholesale - Approximately 30 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,800 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 7,200 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 28,800 Seeds
Non-GMO Green Striped Pickling Melon seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Cucumis melo var conomom
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Melon Type: |
Asian - Different types of melons that are either varieties originating from, or are very popular in one or more Asian countries. These may include cantaloupes, honeydew, pickling melons and other Asian melon classes. Other - There are many categories of melons and anything not included in one of the named categories here are included in 'other'. These include but aren't limited to Galia, Canary, Charentais, Winter, Piel de Sapo, Christmas melons, etc. |
Green Striped Pickling Melon Color: |
Green flesh and skin. |
Green Striped Pickling Melon Flavor: |
Crisp, mild and slightly sweet when harvested young. |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
Days to Maturity: |
70
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Days to Germination: |
5-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
0.5-1 inch |
Plant Spacing: |
48-72 inches or 2-3 plants per hill. |
Row Spacing: |
4-6 Feet |
Plant Height: |
12-15 inches |
Growth Habit: |
Sprawling, Trailing Vine |
Soil Preference: |
Melons prefer warm, well-draining but moist, nutrient-rich, loamy to sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. |
Temperature Preference: |
Warmer (70-90 F). |
Light Preference: |
Full Sun |
Other
Direct Sow: |
Yes, direct sow 1-2 weeks after your last frost date. |
Start Indoors: |
Yes. Melons may be started indoors 2-4 weeks before your last spring frost date. Wait to transplant them outdoors until at least 1 week after your last frost date as melons grow best with warm soil. Avoid leaving them in seed starting containers for long as melons are sensitive to transplanting. Harden off to reduce the effects of transplant shock. |
Melon Pollination: |
Melons require insects, such as bees, for successful pollination. As monoecious plants they produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. This means that not every flower will develop into fruit. We recommend growing an assortment of flowers near or throughout your garden to attract pollinators. |
Plant Width: |
70-100 inches |
Growth Speed: |
Early - Ready for harvest around 50-75 days. |
Deer Resistant: |
No |
Germination Temperature: |
70-95 F |
Pests and Diseases: |
Generally, melons are commonly susceptible to pest damage by aphids, cucumber beetles, squash bugs, cutworms, white flies, and melon worms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Melons are also susceptible to Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, and Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose, and Bacterial Wilt. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
Garden Size: |
Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed |
Melon Use: |
Most commonly used for pickling, but it’s also delicious when eaten fresh in salads or as a refreshing snack. Its cool, crisp texture also makes it ideal for adding to drinks or garnishing. |
Climate Tolerance: |
Heat |