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 South Africa and also in tropical climates, but is most commonly grown as an annual. It dies back in winter, but if you leave the root system in the ground, then it will come alive again in Spring.

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. If you struggle to grow regular cucumbers, then this very productive perennial plant is the one to grow! It fruits from Late Spring until end of Autumn.

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.
• Use a seed-starting tray or pots with a good seed-starting mix.
• Sow seeds and cover with a layer of soil.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
• Germination in about 4 weeks at optimal germination temperatures of 22-28°C.
• 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.