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Writer's picturePlant Minded

Growing Cucamelon (Melothria scabra)

Updated: Aug 16, 2023


Commonly known as the cucamelon, Mexican miniature watermelon, Mexican sour cucumber, Mexican sour gherkin, mouse melon, or pepquinos.


Cucamelons are very tasty! The fruits are about the size of grapes and taste like cucumbers with a with a hint of lime. They can be eaten fresh off the vine, pickled, or any other way you would like to enjoy them in recipes. Cucamelons are usually direct-sown in the garden after all danger of frost has passed in the spring and nighttime temperatures are 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds germinate and sprout within 7 to 14 days and reach maturity in 60 to 70 days days. It is a unique heirloom plant with no cultivars or hybrids developed.


When I first decided that I wanted to grow them, I searched for info on the internet. I found out that it makes a tuberous root. Therefore it can be overwintered and brought back out in the Spring to regrow. I also read that the first year of growing that I would only get a handful of fruits. Well that grower was way off! My plant is very prolific and produces a lot of fruit. Much more than a handful per picking let alone the whole growing season.


I eat them fresh, pickled, and refrigerated. If left on the vine longer they will get a sour taste. But it's a great sour taste. I absolutely love it.


They are so cute! 💚



I purchased little 4 oz Ball jars to pickle my little cucamelons 😆



Lots of Melons on the plants




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