Cucamelon (25 seeds)

These incredible small, cucumber-like fruits are shaped like baby watermelons. Great eaten fresh, added to salads and salsas, or they can be pickled. They look like tiny watermelons, but have a very appealing cucumber flavour with slight citrus notes. The ornamental vines have tiny leaves and flowers. Perfect for the cottage garden, or a unique addition for the kids. 75 days. 

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.

Approximately 25 seeds per packet

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Culture
• Cucamelons perform best in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH 5.5-7.0
• Consistent, even watering is critical for best plant growth and fruit development
• Raised beds, plastic mulch, and trellising can improve yields, keep fruit clean and scab free
• Incorporate a shovelful of compost and 1/4 cup of balanced organic slow release fertilizer and 1/4 cup of organic bone meal per hill

Direct Sowing

• For best germination, keep soil evenly moist but not too wet
• Cover hill with floating row covers or garden cloches, or a row cover to speed up germination
• Thin to the strongest 1-2 plants when first true leaves emerge

Transplanting
• Start indoors in 4 inch pots, 3-4 weeks before anticipated transplant date
• Avoid letting starts get root bound; transplant carefully as to not disturb roots

Harvest & Storage
• Consistent harvest will keep plants productive
• Store at 45°F and 95% relative humidity
• For pickling, harvest cukamelons when small, before seeds form