Size: Vines grow up to 10 feet long.

Sunlight requirements: Full sun (A minimum of six to eight hours is ideal.)

Water requirements: Water weekly at most and mulch well; warm, dry conditions are best.

Soil requirements: Well-drained soil, rich in organic matter

When to plant: Direct-seed when soil temperatures reach 60 degrees F, or sow indoors in peat pots three to four weeks before transplanting.

Where to plant: Garden (grow up a trellis to save garden space); containers (miniature varieties)

When to harvest: 50 to 65 days from seed for most varieties. (Pick mature fruits continually to encourage production.)

Produce storage: Store in plastic in the refrigerator or process into pickles.