Seeds of Indian wild cucumber-melon, Kachri (Cucumis pubescens) — 20 pcs

Indian Wild Cucumber Melon, Kachri, Wild Melon (Cucumis pubescens)

Description:
A wild variety of cucumber or melon, the stem can reach 2-2.5 meters in height. This unique vegetable grows in the arid desert regions of India, especially in Rajasthan.

Fresh kachri looks like a small, brownish-yellow melon or cucumber. Initially, the fruit can be bitter, but as it ripens, it develops a sweet and sour flavor, reminiscent of a combination of cucumber and melon.

Uses:
Eaten fresh as a vegetable for chutneys, curries, and other dishes, and also dried and ground into powder. Kachri powder is prized for its piquant flavor and is used as a seasoning and meat tenderizer.

Growing conditions:
Prefers a sunny, wind-protected location with fertile, light, and well-drained soil.

Growing from seeds:
Sowing: for seedlings - in pots in late April to early May. Before sowing, soak the seeds in a damp cloth at 25-30°C (77-86°F) – usually 2-3 days are sufficient. Seeds are considered germinated when the sprouts reach 3-5 mm. Plant one or two seeds in each container. Water with warm water and keep at 25-28°C (77-82°F) until the seedlings appear. To reduce moisture evaporation, cover the pots with plastic wrap or glass and remove them once the seeds have sprouted. If both seeds sprout in one pot, remove the weaker seedling. Don't pull it out, but cut it off—this will prevent damaging the roots of the remaining plant. Now lower the temperature to 20°C for two to three days. Cucumber seedlings can be planted once they are squat, each plant has 2–3 dark green leaves, and the roots occupy all or almost all of the pot. A week before planting, harden off the seedlings by lowering the room temperature to 16–18°C. In good weather, they can be moved to the balcony, but avoid placing them in direct sunlight.

Care: Regular, abundant watering with settled water daily and fertilizing with mineral and organic fertilizers are recommended.