Cucumis anguria, also known as West Indian gherkin or maroon cucumber, is a vigorous annual vine native to tropical Africa. It produces small, spiny cucumber-like fruits and is commonly cultivated for pickling and eating fresh.
Before sowing
Soak
48 h Chilling in refrigerator (approximately 4°C) for a day or two before sowing improves germination
Seed chilling treatment recommended for improved germination
Sowing
Substrate
rich, well-drained soil
Depth
1cm
Temperature
24°C
Moisture
media
Container
individual pots
What to expect
Step 1
Pre-treat the seed
Step 2
Sow at 1cm · 24°C
Day 7–14
Seedlings emerge (~80%)
Tips
Germination is inhibited by white, blue and far-red light but promoted by darkness and red light. Cold-sensitive seeds; sow after last frost. Seedlings resent root disturbance. Light shade during sowing helps improve germination. Seeds have a fibrous seedcoat. High viability (up to 98%) when fresh.
Sources: Tropical Plants Database (Ken Fern), Plants For A Future, scientific literature (Dos Santos & Cardosa 2001), Grokipedia, PFAF
