February 4, 2011
PHOTO: WorSangJun/iStock/Thinkstock
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.
