Cucurbitaceae - The Cucumber Family
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Cucurbitaceae – The Cucumber Family
Members of the cucubitaceae family also know as cucurbits are typically vigorous plants with big bold leafs and trumpet shaped yellow or orange flowers. They typically require much more space than most of the other vegetable families. Trailing cultivars can be trained to climb arches or nets.. Bush cultivars tend to be more compact.
Cucurbitaceae are usually grown for their fruit that may be eaten young or mature. Some cultivars flowers and seeds may also be eaten. All are tender annuals that need warm conditions to thrive. Zucchini, pumpkins, cucumbers, and squashes can produce in cool climates if seeds are planted indoors and transplanted as seedlings. Melons need warm conditions. Cucumbers, zucchini, and summer squashes are eaten young and are picked regularly to maintain supply and tend to have a mild flavor. Melons are picked when fully ripe. Pumpkins and winter squashes are left to mature on the plant to develop a tough skin for storage. Some are bland and watery while other develop a rich densely textured flesh- that is often used in soups and stews.
Cucurbitaceae benefit from a dressing of medium soil improver such as compost. Unless grown in a container no fertilizer is required. In an outdoor crop rotation they can be included in brassica and potato beds or grown in their own section. Melons and greenhouse cucumbers will require more watering and weeding. In most cases the flowers are male or female and require pollination to set fruit. All female hybrid cultivars avoid the task and should not be part of the organic garden.
Cucurbitaceae may be susceptible to spider mite, cucumber mosaic virus, and certain types of fungus. Powdery mildew may be a sign of dry soil, most common in the late summer. Crop rotation, good ventilation and hygiene are the best defenses against pests and diseases. These organic practices should eliminate the need for synthetic chemicals.
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