The plant is an annual, grown from seed. They are usually started in beds and moved to the field at 6 to 8 weeks, but may be seeded in place. When grown without support the plant of most varieties is much branched and sprawling. If supported on stakes or trellis it attains heights up to 6 to 8 feet. Leaves are compound and pinnate, a foot or more in length.
Fruits have a smooth peel.
They vary in size from an inch up to 4 inches in diameter. In shape they are generally oblate, but some varieties are globose or pyriform or conic. Commercial about 6 million tons. Also in most home gardens. Fresh in salads, cooked, juice.