What is a cucamelon?

Cute , crunchy cucamelons ( Melothria scabra ) are the most popular veg in my garden . Everyone loves the grape - sized fruit that look like tinywatermelonsbut taste like cucumbers with a twist of lime . Also called Mexican sour gherkins , cucamelons are a warm - season harvest and thrive in the summertime temperateness .

When to plant cucamelons

Cucamelons can be mature from seeds or seedling . In zone 4 to 6start seeds indoors4 to 5 weeks before the last expected give frost . In warmer neighborhood , direct seed after the last rime particular date . Transplant seedlings to the garden once the atmospheric condition is dependably warm , about a week or two after the last frost .

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Where to plant cucamelons

advance succeeder by planting cucamelons where they will receive at least 8 hours of sun each day . Before planting , I amend the soil with compost or aged manure and a smattering of a slow - liberation organicfertilizer . No garden ? No problem ! you may also rise cucamelons in pots . Selectcontainers at least 16 inchesacross to accommodate the vigorous plant .

Offer support

Because cucamelons imprint long vines , it ’s best to give them hard support . I apply treillage and tunnels , but you could also grow them upfences , garden netting , ortwine . arise the plants vertically also make it well-off to harvest the minor fruit .

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When to harvest cucamelons

you’re able to bear fruit about 75 years after transplanting seedling in your garden . By late July my cucamelon plant are smothered in tiny xanthous flowers . 7 to 10 days subsequently the first fruit are ready to piece . crop cucamelons when they ’re 3/4 to 1 in long , pick often to encourage big cropping . The plants continue to pump out fruit until freeze and toward the end of the time of year I permit a few mature so I can gather and save seeds for the undermentioned year .

Cucumelon plant: Cucamelons look like tiny watermelons but taste like cucumbers with a twist of lime!

Cucumelon plant: Cucamelons look like tiny watermelons but taste like cucumbers with a twist of lime!

Cucamelons growing on a trellis: Growing cucamelon vines on a trellis makes it easier to find the fruit when it’s time to harvest.

cucamelon harvest Niki Jabbour: Harvest cucamelons when they’re about an inch long.