Green Stripe Pickling Melon Seeds (Nara-Zuke Melon) – Up to 18" Striped Fruit, 1,000-Year Japanese Pickling Tradition

Green Stripe Pickling Melon – Nara-Zuke Melon (Cucumis melo var. conomon)

The Green Stripe Pickling Melon is a stunning and historically significant Japanese melon variety, used in the ancient pickling traditions of kazu-zuke and nara-zuke for over 1,000 years. Its rich green and white striped fruits grow to an impressive 18 inches long, with thick, brilliant white flesh that absorbs pickling brines beautifully. Not just a pickling vegetable — young fruits can be eaten raw like a cucumber, stuffed with meats or vegetables and baked, or sliced into stir-fries alongside seafood. Considerably larger and more versatile than Western cucumbers, it’s a cornerstone of Asian pickling culture.

Seed Details

• Variety: Green Stripe Pickling Melon — Cucumis melo var. conomon
• Japanese Name: Oshiro Uri
• Chinese Names: Tsit Kwa, Bai Gua, Cai Gua
• Fruit: Up to 18" long; green and white striped skin, very thick white flesh
• Best Use: Kazu-zuke/nara-zuke pickling, raw eating when young, stuffed & baked, stir-fries, seafood dishes
• Vine Length: Up to 10 feet

Growing Instructions

• Needs a warm climate. Sow seeds in spring/summer after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil in a warm, sunny location.
• Hill planting: Form soil mounds 1 ft. diameter, 3–4" tall; space 3–5 feet apart. Sow 2–3 seeds per mound; thin to the strongest plant.
• Keep soil consistently moist; fertilize regularly throughout the season.
• Train vines on a vertical trellis for better air circulation and easier harvesting, or allow to sprawl.
• For best flavor: harvest before the skin turns fully white.

Harvesting

• Young fruit: eat raw like a cucumber or add to salads
• Medium size: ideal for pickling in traditional nara-zuke style
• Full size (up to 18"): perfect for stuffing with beef, pork, chicken, or vegetables

Select your desired seed quantity above. A rare, heirloom Asian pickling melon with extraordinary cultural and culinary heritage.