Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus

Other Common Names: This heirloom variety Cucumber 'Lemon' goes by the name budamkaya in India

Origin:

The cucumber species originates from India. The origin of lemon cucumbers isn't certain, it was introduced to America sometime between 1894 and 1905 but there are Middle-Eastern documents that mention this variety from the 16th century, making its likely origin from around this time in either the Middle-East or India. 

Culinary Uses:

Lemon cucumbers are sweet and crisp with no bitterness making them very versatile.  Burpless and thin skinned.  Great for pickling, juicing, adding fresh to salads, or eating as a healthy and delicious snack.  Don't be fooled, the variety name 'Lemon' refers to the colour of this cucumbers skin not its taste, it is not lemony in flavour nor particularly sour.

Cultivation:

Cucumber 'Lemon' should be trellised for ease of picking and to save space.  Easy to grow, very prolific with fruits maturing quickly.  Fruits need less heat to ripen than most varieties making them a good variety for cooler climates.  Also a good variety for growing in pots and containers.  Avoid watering leaves where possible to reduce disease.  Lemon cucumbers are more resistant to drought than most cucumbers and are resistant to rusts.  Grows best in soil with a pH around 6.5.

When To Sow:

In Australia sow Lemon cucumber seeds from September to February in temperate regions, August to February in the subtropics and from April to August in the tropics.

How To Sow:

Sow cucumber seeds 1.5cm deep, leaving 50cm between plants to allow room for growth.

Germination Time:

Most Cucumber 'Lemon' seeds will germinate 7 to 13 days after sowing.

Time To Harvest:

Your first cucumbers will be ready to pick 9 to 11 weeks after planting the seeds.  Long harvest period, pick continuously to encourage more flowers.