Cucamelon – 10 Seeds

Melothria scabra, commonly known as the cucamelon, Mexican miniature watermelon, Mexican sour cucumber, Mexican sour gherkin, mouse melon, or pepquinos, is a species of flowering plant in the cucurbit family grown for its edible fruit. Its native range spans Mexico to Venezuela. Botanically, the cucamelon (Melothria scabra) is neither a cucumber nor a melon, though it is part of the larger cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae). A fast-growing, vining plant, the cucamelon is a frost-tender perennial in tropical climates but is most commonly grown as an annual.

These tiny watermelon look-a-likes from Central America have been popular since Aztec times. The vines produce a constant supply of fruit throughout the summer, grape sized balls of delight, tasting of refreshing cucumber with a hint of lime. The fruit can be eaten straight of the vine or in a salad.

Growing Cucamelon

Indoor Sowing: Late Winter.

Direct Sowing: Spring.

• Seeds should be direct sown in the spring.
• Alternatively you can start the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the average last frost and plant outside 9-12 inches apart.
• The plant grows vigorously in full sun when temperatures are warm.
• They can be grown as a climbing plant or they can also be placed in a pot and allowed to cascade over.