Cucumber 'Cucamelon'
Melothria scabra
Why grow cucamelon? Because it’s impossibly adorable! Also known as the Mexican Sour Gherkin, these tiny 1" fruits look like miniature watermelons but taste like tangy, citrusy cucumbers. Trellising recommended.
Packet contains approximately 20 seeds.
DETAILS
Plant type: Perennial, Zones 3–9
Days to maturity: 75–85 days
Light preference: Sun/part shade
Plant spacing: 2–8" apart in rows 18" apart
Plant height: 15–24 inches
Hybrid status: Open pollinated
SOWING
Depth: 1/2-1 inch
Days to germination: 75–95°F
How to Grow
Sow indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out after danger of frost. Roots do not like disturbance, so we prefer to direct sow once soil temps are above 70 °F.
Spacing: To keep things simple, we space 36” apart in rows 6’ apart (as close as 24" on a trellis), but here are more-precise recommendations. Between-row spacing: bush plants, 4-5’; short vines, 6’; long-vines, 12’. In-row spacing: small, 18–24”; medium, 24–36”; large to XL, 36–72”.
Harvest & Storage
Once established, harvest leaves before flowering begins. Leaves can be harvested 3–4 times per year, cut at ground level. Leaves may be used fresh or dried. To dry, cut bundles into 1/4–1/2" lengths. Dry on a screen surfaced out of direct sunlight in an area with good ventilation. Stir periodically.
SHIPPING
FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets
