Ornamental cucumber mix is a mixture of different types of cucumbers in all shapes, colours and textures. The contents include: Rhino cucumber, Chestnut brown cucumber, Ornamental cucumber, Prickly ornamental cucumber, Arabic cucumber, Queen Anne mini melon, Small gooseberry cucumber and Mouse melon.
The plants have a climbing growth habit and are best grown in a greenhouse because they need a sunny and sheltered spot. This ornamental cucumber mix is a member of the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae), as are: Javanese cucumber, Wax gourd, Kolokwint, Watermelon, Sugar melon, Honeydew melon, Cucumber, Kiwano, Gherkin, Fig leaf pumpkin, Muskmelon, Courgette, Patisson, Winged cucumber, Luffa, Sopropo, Chayote and Cassabanana. This ornamental cucumber mix originates from Africa and South America, particularly from temperate regions.
Ornamental cucumber mix is not edible, but the different types of cucumber have a very high decorative value. Very suitable for use in flower arrangements, bouquets, dried bouquets, fruit bowls, on autumn tables and garden tables. These plants are loved by bees and other beneficial insects. Non hardy annual. Height: 100 - 150
Indoor sowing: April - end of May
Outdoor sowing: end of May - June
Germination: 7 - 14 days
Germination temp.: 18 – 22 ºC
Sowing depth: 1 - 1½ cm
Planting distance: 100 - 150 cm
Plant position: sunny - sheltered (greenhouse)
Harvesting period: June - October
Sow indoors from April till the end of May. Sow in separate pots filled with well-moistened potting soil. Sow the seeds crosswise to prevent rotting. Sow them at least 1 cm deep and cover the seeds with some potting soil. Ornamental cucumber is a dark germinator. Place the pots in a propagator and keep the temperature at least 18 ºC, but warmer is better because this shortens the germination time. Place the propagator with the lid on in a warm and light place. Keep the temperature as even as possible and do not let the temperature drop at night. Keep well moist and warm. Once the seeds have germinated, the seedlings can be placed in a slightly cooler spot. Once the young plants are large enough to handle, transfer them to larger pots. At the beginning of May, the pots can be placed outside during the day to harden off. Keep this up for 10-14 days. After this, the young plants can be placed in a very sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. The plants can also be placed in a (cold) greenhouse.
Sow outdoors from the end of May, once there is no longer any chance of night frost. Sow thinly and about 1½ cm deep. Ornamental cucumber mix is a dark germinator. Keep the seeds warm and moist. Do not let the temperature drop, especially at night. Sow in a very sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. You can also sow in a (cold) greenhouse. This usually gives a better harvest because it is warmer than sowing outdoors. Once the plants are large enough to handle, they can be thinned out to 100–150 cm. Keep well moist and weed-free. Mixed ornamental cucumbers are best given sturdy support. A fence, trellis or lattice is suitable. A simple bamboo stick can also be used. Harvesting can begin in June. Cut the ornamental cucumbers from the plant with a knife. Leave a small piece of stem to prevent rotting.
