Cucumber (Melothria)

Plant family

Curcurbits (Cucurbitaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Dry

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Plant distance

40 cm

Row spacing

40 cm

Seeding depth

2 cm

Instructions

Description

The Mexican mini cucumber (Melothria scabra), cucamelon, Mexican sour cucumber, mouse melon or pepquinos belongs to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) and is a climbing vine. It develops underground storage roots that allow for perennial cultivation and make the plant relatively more tolerant of drought. It grows up to 2.5 m in height. The fruits of the plant are about the size of grapes and look like small watermelons. The taste is sour-fresh and similar to cucumbers. They can be eaten with peel and also pickled.

Growing tips

The storage root can be dug up like dahlias and overwintered frost-free in moist sand, or the mini cucumber can be sown again from seed the following year. Germination after approx. 3 weeks at 18-25°C. Sensitive to frost. Requires climbing support. Does not need too much watering because of its storage root. Soil should never be wet. Several plants should be sown for a rich harvest. The fruits are ripe when they are approx. 2-4 cm in size and the skin can be easily pressed in, but is not yet mushy.