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 **70–85°F (21–29°C)**. 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 **½–1 inch (1.25–2.5 cm) deep** in seed-starting mix.
- Keep soil temperature **75–85°F (24–29°C)** 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 65°F (18°C)**.
- 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 **70–85°F (21–29°C)**. 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 **½–1 inch (1.25–2.5 cm) deep** in seed-starting mix.
- Keep soil temperature **75–85°F (24–29°C)** 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 65°F (18°C)**.
- 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.