Hudson Valley Seed Co.
Painted Serpent Cucumber
Cucumis melo
Sustainably Grown
Long, ribbed, striped cucumber-like fruits are tender, have an excellent mild flavor, and are free from bitterness that can beset regular cukes (these are technically melons). Untrellised, the fruits will curve into an S shape (hence the name). Fruits best harvested when 7-16" long.
With roots in Egypt and the Middle East, varieties of this delicious melon were domesticated and selected in Armenia as far back as the 15th century. The seeds traveled with Armenian immigrants to the United States in the late 1800s, and became a treasured symbol of home.
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Growing instructions
Easy to grow. Direct sow a week or two after last frost; or, sow under protection three weeks before last frost. Transplant in hills of 3-4 seeds spaced 2-3' apart or in rows 18" apart. Will grow up a trellis; untrellised,
the fruits will curve into an S shape. Keep harvesting for continued production; best when 7-16" long.
the fruits will curve into an S shape. Keep harvesting for continued production; best when 7-16" long.
Product Details
| Days to Maturity | 58 days |
|---|---|
| Days to Germination | 7 days |
| Height at Maturiry | 12 inches |
| Sun Conditions | Full Sun |
| Planting Depth | 1/2 inch |
| Row Spacing | 60 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 12 inches |
About the artist
In this painting on paper, Talin Megherian weaves together many layers of Armenian symbols and imagery to tell the story of this seed. Central to the composition is the Armenian symbol for eternity, which represents both the cycle of seed growth and the never-ending spirit of the Armenian people.
