Also known as Bur Cucumber · Bur Gherkin · Burr Cucumber
West Indian Gherkin (Cucumis anguria) is a vigorous vine producing small, spiny fruits, ideal for pickling. It thrives in warm climates and requires support.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruit production.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil moist, watering at the base. Allow slight drying between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 21-30°C. Protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate Feeding
50% intensity
Feed with balanced fertilizer during growth, switch to higher potassium when fruiting.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out slightly between waterings during cooler periods.
Reduce watering in winter if grown as a perennial.
Pruning is generally not required. If the plant becomes too sprawling, you can lightly trim back excessive vines to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves promptly to improve air circulation and plant health.
Propagate primarily through seeds sown directly outdoors after the last frost, or start indoors 2-3 weeks prior. Seeds germinate best in warm soil (around 21-30°C).
You can also take cuttings from established plants, but seed propagation is more common.
As a fast-growing annual, repotting is usually only necessary if starting seeds indoors in small containers. Transplant seedlings into larger pots when they have developed a few true leaves.
Outdoor plants typically do not require repotting and are grown directly in the ground.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of West Indian Gherkin (Cucumis anguria)
Where West Indian Gherkin (Cucumis anguria) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Cucumis |
| Species | Cucumis anguria |
Similar in genus Cucumis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
