I try to grow something new in my garden each season. It keeps things fun, gives me something to look forward to, and sometimes I discover a new favorite. When I was at the garden center the other day, I spotted a small pot labeled cucamelon. I’ve never grown them before, but with my raised beds now expanded to six, I figured I finally had the space to experiment—even if it turns out to be a one-time deal. I planted this one right next to my arch so it can climb and do its thing.
What Are Cucamelons?
Cucamelons (Melothria scabra), sometimes called “Mexican sour gherkins” or “mouse melons,” look like tiny watermelons but taste more like cucumbers with a hint of citrus. They’re not actually a cucumber, but they’re grown in a similar way. These little fruits are about the size of a grape and can be eaten fresh, tossed into salads, or even pickled.
How to Grow Cucamelons
Cucamelons are heat-loving plants, so they do best when planted after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. If you’re starting from seed, you’ll want to begin them indoors about 4–6 weeks before your last frost date. I bought a plant that was already started, which made things easier.
Here’s what they need:
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Sun: Full sun (at least 6 hours a day)
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Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
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Support: A trellis, cage, or in my case, an arch to climb
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Water: Regular watering, especially during dry spells
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Spacing: Give each plant a foot or more of space to spread
They grow like a vining cucumber, sending out tendrils and climbing quickly once they get going.
When to Harvest Cucamelons
Cucamelons are usually ready to harvest about 60–70 days after planting. The fruits are best when they’re about the size of a grape or small olive—any larger and they can start to get seedy. You’ll want to check the vines regularly once they start producing, as the fruit can be easy to miss.
Just pinch or snip them off the vine and enjoy them fresh, or store them in the fridge for a few days. If you like pickles, cucamelons make a fun and tangy twist on refrigerator pickles.
Will I Grow Them Again?
That’s still to be determined! I’m curious to see how they taste and whether they are work trying again. But I’m glad I gave them a shot. That’s the beauty of having a little extra space—you can take a chance on something new, and either add a keeper to your garden rotation or say “well, that was interesting” and move on.
Have you grown cucamelons before? Let me know how they turned out in your garden—or if you’re tempted to give them a try this year.
Happy Gardening
Karen