Cucamelons have the potential to come back every year if they are treated as perennials. This means that instead of treating them as annuals and replanting them every year, you can lift the main radish-like root of the cucamelon plant in late autumn, once the fruiting period is over, and store it in barely moist compost in a garage or shed over winter. By doing this, you can protect the plant from frost and provide it with the conditions it needs to survive until the next growing season.
By lifting the main root and storing it over winter, you are essentially putting the plant into a dormant state. This allows it to conserve energy and survive through the colder months. It’s important to ensure that the root is stored in barely moist compost to prevent it from drying out or becoming too wet. This delicate balance will help to maintain the health of the root and ensure its viability for the next growing season.
In early April, once the risk of frost has passed, you can then plant out the stored root again to achieve early fruiting. This early planting gives the cucamelon plant a head start and allows it to establish itself before the warmer months. By doing this, you can potentially have fruit from the cucamelon plant earlier in the season compared to starting from seeds or young plants.
I have personally tried treating cucamelons as perennials and have had success with this method. In my experience, lifting the main root and storing it over winter has allowed the plant to come back stronger and produce fruit earlier in the season. It’s a great way to maximize the productivity of the cucamelon plant and enjoy its unique and tasty fruits year after year.
To summarize the process of treating cucamelons as perennials:
1. In late autumn, once the fruiting period is over, lift the main radish-like root of the cucamelon plant.
2. Store the root in barely moist compost in a garage or shed over winter.
3. Ensure the root is protected from frost and extreme temperatures.
4. In early April, plant out the stored root to achieve early fruiting.
5. Provide the necessary care and maintenance for the plant throughout the growing season to maximize its productivity.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of having cucamelons come back every year and continue to enjoy their unique taste and appearance in your garden.
