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Long Melon, or what we affectionately call 'Tar' is a summer fruit with enriching nutrients and is considered a humble cousin of the cucumber. Grown and native to India, the Long melon, invariably, belongs to the gourd family and offers many health-improving benefits. For the people in the West, the vegetable is as close to Cucumber as it gets but for people in India this is a native variety of the gourd family which even trumps the popular cucumber at its game! Because this fruit is about 95% water, it keeps you naturally hydrated. In the extremely hot tropical summers, it is commonly eaten to fight heat and also flushes out toxins. Other benefits include fighting cancer-causing agents in the body, facilitating weight loss, and providing an abundant supply of skin-friendly minerals such as magnesium, potassium, silicon, and others. It also supplies the body with a healthy dose of essential vitamins such as A, C, and B! The Long melon is a favored recommendation for diabetics.With so many health benefits and life-nourishing qualities, do not underestimate the Tar! Add it to your kitchen gardens and enjoy a healthy supply of nutritious produce every season! Shop with us now.PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:Take any container of your choice with at least 2-3 drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the container with potting soil and organic compost of your choice. Sow 2 seeds per spot at a distance of 36 inches::Push the seeds at least 1 inch into the soil and cover them with soil. Use a watering can to lightly shower the seeds to initiate the germination process. Long melon seeds usually take about 6-8 days to mature from seeds to seedlings::After the second week, the seedlings will begin to grow into a tiny plant. At this stage, keep only 1 plant per spot. Cut off the small and weak plant with a pair of scissors.GROWING REQUIREMENTS:PESTS & DISEASES:Pests: Aphids, Cabbage Looper, Cucumber Beetles, Cutworms, Flea Beetles, Stinkbugs, Thrips::SOIL:Well-drained, sandy or sandy loam soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0::SPOT:Full sun; long melon requires at least 6 hours of sunlight in a day::TEMPERATURE:The ideal germination temperature required for Long Melons is between 20°C to 30°C::WATERING:Long melon requires regular watering, especially during the summer months. Use a watering can to water the soil near the plant. You can also set-up a drip irrigation method to effectively water the plants.HOW TO HARVEST:Long melons are usually ready to be harvested within 40-50 days from sowing day. The harvesting season for long melon can continue for 3 months::To harvest, simply use scissors or sharp knife to cut the fruit leaving a bit of the stem still attached to it. Long melons should be enjoyed fresh::However, if you do wish to store them, wrap them in paper towels and put them in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for almost a week.