Growing Melon and Cucumber Relatives

Growing Melon and Cucumber Relatives

All of these seeds require pretty much the same treatment when it comes to germination.  The seeds should be pressed in to the surface of the compost, edge on, and then covered to at least the depth of the seed.  Water well, then seal in a plastic bag or place under some other clear cover to keep the humidity and moisture in the soil.  Place somewhere light at that point, a warm windowsill or better still a heat mat or propagator.

Germination

Germination should then be conducted at temperatures between 20 and 25 Deg C, as these are all from warmer areas of the world and need this kickstart to get them to germinate.
Under these ideal conditions, germination should take 7 - 21 days.  Once the seedlings emerge, grow on in slightly cooler conditions, providing some shading from any scorching mid-day sun, as these will naturally germinate in grass or under shrubs which provide such shading.

Growing on

Continue to grow on, commencing a dilute feed regime when they are four weeks old increasing the amounts as the plants get larger.
Annuals may eventually go into grow bags, where they can be grown happily for the season, or into open ground or large pots if you prefer (the former only when the soil is reliably above 6 Deg C day and night and there is no chance of any frost.  Perennials should be grown in large pots unless you live somewhere entirely frost free year round as frost will kill off the top growth and if hard enough it will kill the perennial rootstock which allows the plant to overwinter