SEED -Carosello Mezzo Lungo di Polignano ? Italian Melon Cucumber ? 50-70 Days ### **Cucumber Carosello Mezzo Lungo di Polignano** #### **Latin Name:** *Cucumis melo var. flexuosus* #### **Description:** Carosello Mezzo Lungo di Polignano is a traditional Italian cucumber-melon variety originating from the town of Polignano a Mare in southern Italy. Unlike common cucumbers (*Cucumis sativus*), Carosello cucumbers are actually a type of melon (*Cucumis melo*) harvested at an immature stage for their crisp, refreshing texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. This variety produces elongated, cylindrical fruits with light green, slightly ribbed skin and a tender, non-bitter flesh. When allowed to mature, the fruit develops a more melon-like quality. #### **Days to Harvest:** Approximately **50?70 days** from seed to harvest, depending on growing conditions. #### **Flower Color:** Bright **yellow** flowers, typical of cucurbits, which attract pollinators such as bees. #### **Hardiness:** Carosello cucumbers thrive in **warm, Mediterranean climates** and are not frost-hardy. They grow best in temperatures between **70?85F (21?29C)**. They should only be planted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. #### **History Interesting Facts:** - Carosello cucumbers have been cultivated for centuries in **Puglia, Italy**, where they are prized for their superior flavor and texture. - Unlike regular cucumbers, they do not become bitter, even in hot weather. - They are considered **"burpless" cucumbers**, meaning they are easier to digest. - The name "Carosello" refers to a group of **Italian melon-type cucumbers** grown in different regions, with slight variations in shape, size, and skin texture. - Traditional farmers in Polignano a Mare still grow this variety using ancient farming techniques, preserving its authenticity. #### **How to Grow from Seed:** 1. **Starting Indoors:** - Start seeds **3?4 weeks before the last frost** if growing in a short-season climate. - Use biodegradable pots to avoid root disturbance. - Plant seeds **oe?1 inch (1.25?2.5 cm) deep** in seed-starting mix. - Keep soil temperature **75?85F (24?29C)** for optimal germination. - Seeds typically sprout in **5?10 days**. 2. **Direct Sowing in the Garden:** - Wait until **after the last frost** when soil temperatures reach **at least 65F (18C)**. - Plant seeds **1 inch deep, 12 inches apart**, in rows or hills spaced **3?4 feet apart**. - Provide full sun and well-draining, fertile soil. #### **Growing in the Garden:** - **Soil:** Prefers **loamy, well-drained soil** rich in organic matter. A pH of **6.0?7.0** is ideal. - **Watering:** Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to **retain moisture** and **suppress weeds**. - **Support:** Can be grown on the ground or trained on a **trellis** for straighter fruits and better air circulation. - **Pollination:** Since Carosello cucumbers rely on pollinators, plant flowers nearby to attract bees. Hand-pollination may be needed in areas with low pollinator activity. - **Fertilization:** Feed with a **balanced fertilizer** every few weeks, especially once flowering starts. - **Harvesting:** Pick when **young and tender**, around **6?8 inches (15?20 cm) long**, for the best flavor and texture. ### **Cucumber Carosello Mezzo Lungo di Polignano** #### **Latin Name:** *Cucumis melo var. flexuosus* #### **Description:** Carosello Mezzo Lungo di Polignano is a traditional Italian cucumber-melon variety originating from the town of Polignano a Mare in southern Italy. Unlike common cucumbers (*Cucumis sativus*), Carosello cucumbers are actually a type of melon (*Cucumis melo*) harvested at an immature stage for their crisp, refreshing texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. This variety produces elongated, cylindrical fruits with light green, slightly ribbed skin and a tender, non-bitter flesh. When allowed to mature, the fruit develops a more melon-like quality. #### **Days to Harvest:** Approximately **50?70 days** from seed to harvest, depending on growing conditions. #### **Flower Color:** Bright **yellow** flowers, typical of cucurbits, which attract pollinators such as bees. #### **Hardiness:** Carosello cucumbers thrive in **warm, Mediterranean climates** and are not frost-hardy. They grow best in temperatures between **70?85F (21?29C)**. They should only be planted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. #### **History Interesting Facts:** - Carosello cucumbers have been cultivated for centuries in **Puglia, Italy**, where they are prized for their superior flavor and texture. - Unlike regular cucumbers, they do not become bitter, even in hot weather. - They are considered **"burpless" cucumbers**, meaning they are easier to digest. - The name "Carosello" refers to a group of **Italian melon-type cucumbers** grown in different regions, with slight variations in shape, size, and skin texture. - Traditional farmers in Polignano a Mare still grow this variety using ancient farming techniques, preserving its authenticity. #### **How to Grow from Seed:** 1. **Starting Indoors:** - Start seeds **3?4 weeks before the last frost** if growing in a short-season climate. - Use biodegradable pots to avoid root disturbance. - Plant seeds **oe?1 inch (1.25?2.5 cm) deep** in seed-starting mix. - Keep soil temperature **75?85F (24?29C)** for optimal germination. - Seeds typically sprout in **5?10 days**. 2. **Direct Sowing in the Garden:** - Wait until **after the last frost** when soil temperatures reach **at least 65F (18C)**. - Plant seeds **1 inch deep, 12 inches apart**, in rows or hills spaced **3?4 feet apart**. - Provide full sun and well-draining, fertile soil. #### **Growing in the Garden:** - **Soil:** Prefers **loamy, well-drained soil** rich in organic matter. A pH of **6.0?7.0** is ideal. - **Watering:** Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to **retain moisture** and **suppress weeds**. - **Support:** Can be grown on the ground or trained on a **trellis** for straighter fruits and better air circulation. - **Pollination:** Since Carosello cucumbers rely on pollinators, plant flowers nearby to attract bees. Hand-pollination may be needed in areas with low pollinator activity. - **Fertilization:** Feed with a **balanced fertilizer** every few weeks, especially once flowering starts. - **Harvesting:** Pick when **young and tender**, around **6?8 inches (15?20 cm) long**, for the best flavor and texture. =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Free shipping to Canada- and USA Selected seeds only Add this item to your cart and keep shopping-- at https://www.ebay.ca/usr/okiger-2i55iwk =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Shipping of Seeds and Cuttings: Orders are shipped via Canada Post Mail unless otherwise specified. Some items are shipped without tracking to keep costs low. This is the most economical option. Canada Post is incredibly reliable, but can be slow. If you require tracking or a faster delivery please message before ordering. 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