If you’ve ever come across a lemon cucumber, you might have wondered just how big these charmingly round, yellow cucumbers grow. Unlike the typical long green cucumbers, lemon cucumbers are unique in both shape and size. In this article, we’ll explore how big lemon cucumbers get, when to pick them, and some handy tips for growing and harvesting these delightful garden gems.
What Are Lemon Cucumbers?
Lemon cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are an heirloom variety of cucumber that stand out because of their round shape and bright yellow skin, resembling a lemon more than a traditional cucumber. They have a thin, tender skin with tiny edible bristles and pale yellow-green flesh inside. Their flavor is mild, slightly sweet, and crisp, making them perfect for fresh eating or pickling.
How Big Do Lemon Cucumbers Get?
Lemon cucumbers typically grow to about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 centimeters) in diameter and length, roughly the size of an egg to a tennis ball. This size range is considered mature and ideal for harvesting. Unlike the long slicing cucumbers that can reach 30 cm or more, lemon cucumbers stay compact and round.
– At about 2 inches, they are roughly egg-sized and edible, but not fully ripe.
– Around 3 inches, they reach full maturity, resembling a tennis ball in size.
– If they grow larger than 3 inches, the skin can become tough and the flavor may turn bitter, so it’s best not to let them get too big.
When to Harvest Lemon Cucumbers
Timing your harvest is key to enjoying the best flavor and texture. Here’s what to look for:
– Color: Pick lemon cucumbers when their skin is just starting to turn from green to light yellow. If the skin turns dark yellow or the ends are yellow, they are overripe.
– Size: Harvest when they reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Anything larger risks tougher skin and bitterness.
– Texture: The skin should be tender, and seeds small and edible. Overripe cucumbers develop larger seeds and thicker skin.
Regularly checking your plants is important because lemon cucumbers grow quickly. Waiting too long can result in overly mature fruits that slow down further production.
Growing Lemon Cucumbers: A Quick Overview
Lemon cucumbers grow similarly to regular cucumbers but have some unique traits:
– They mature fairly quickly, about 60 to 75 days from seed.
– Seeds germinate in 5 to 10 days.
– The plants can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, climbing with tendrils.
– They are burpless and non-bitter due to very low cucurbitacin content, making them easy to digest.
Tips for Harvesting and Storing Lemon Cucumbers
– Use clean scissors or pruning shears to snip the stem just above the fruit to avoid damaging the plant.
– Harvest frequently to encourage continuous production.
– Lemon cucumbers don’t store well for long. At room temperature, they last 1 to 2 days before shriveling starts.
– They tend to last longer on the counter than in the fridge.
– For longer storage, consider pickling them.
Why Size Matters for Lemon Cucumbers
The size of lemon cucumbers is not just about aesthetics-it affects taste, texture, and usability:
– Smaller, younger fruits have tender skin and a mild, sweet flavor.
– Overgrown fruits develop tough skin and can become bitter.
– Properly sized cucumbers ensure you get the best eating experience and encourage your plants to keep producing.
Fun Facts About Lemon Cucumbers
– They were introduced to the U.S. in the late 19th century and have Australian origins.
– Botanically, they belong to the same family as melons and gourds.
– They are sometimes called “Garden Lemon,” “Apple cucumber,” or “Dosakai.”
– Their round shape and bright color make them a fun and attractive addition to salads and garnishes.
Lemon cucumbers are a unique and tasty alternative to traditional cucumbers, perfect for gardeners looking for something a little different.
Lemon cucumbers grow to about 2 to 3 inches in size, roughly the size of an egg to a tennis ball. Harvest them when their skin just starts turning yellow for the best flavor and texture. Larger fruits tend to have tougher skin and a bitter taste, so timely picking is key to enjoying these sweet, crisp cucumbers at their best.