How to Grow Cucamelons (Mexican Gherkins)
The Mexican Sour Gherkin does look like a tiny watermelon, but has a flavor all of its own. It is said to taste a bit like a pickled cucumber with its tangy, tart flavor. While some claim it has a hint of lime, others think the undertone is closer to a lemon. You'll need to try them yourself to find out for sure.
Because they are similar to regular cucumbers, you can direct sow the seeds in the garden as soon as the soil has warmed and the danger of all frost has passed. Seeds are readily available at online seed companies and may be listed a mouse melons, but finding seedlings at the nursery may prove to be a challenge.
Planting and Caring for Cucamelons
Soil: Like cucumbers, the Mexican gherkin prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Add plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, and work it into the top six inches of your soil. This improves both drainage and aeration while adding vital nutrients to the soil.
Location: Choose an area that receives full sun for six to eight hours a day. Keep in mind that you do not need six hours of consecutive exposure. As long as the total number of hours adds up to at least six hours, some shade during parts of the day is fine.
Planting: Cucamelon seeds germinate best at soil temperatures between 65 and 90 degrees F. Allow the soil to warm sufficiently before planting your seeds. Sow the seeds to a depth of ½ inch, spaced 6 to 12 inches apart in rows or hills. Cover the seeds with soil and firm it down gently with your hands to secure the seeds.
Water: Moisten the soil and keep it moist until your cucamelons emerge in 4 to 13 days. Once seedlings emerge and are established, reduce water to once or twice a week or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch 1 inch below the surface.
Trellising: Erect a trellis for your cucamelons at planting time. These prolific vines grow quickly once they start.
Harvesting: Pick your cucamelons daily once they mature. This sends a message to the plant to produce more fruit and keeps your plants producing for weeks.
Because they are similar to regular cucumbers, you can direct sow the seeds in the garden as soon as the soil has warmed and the danger of all frost has passed. Seeds are readily available at online seed companies and may be listed a mouse melons, but finding seedlings at the nursery may prove to be a challenge.
Planting and Caring for Cucamelons
Soil: Like cucumbers, the Mexican gherkin prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Add plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, and work it into the top six inches of your soil. This improves both drainage and aeration while adding vital nutrients to the soil.
Location: Choose an area that receives full sun for six to eight hours a day. Keep in mind that you do not need six hours of consecutive exposure. As long as the total number of hours adds up to at least six hours, some shade during parts of the day is fine.
Planting: Cucamelon seeds germinate best at soil temperatures between 65 and 90 degrees F. Allow the soil to warm sufficiently before planting your seeds. Sow the seeds to a depth of ½ inch, spaced 6 to 12 inches apart in rows or hills. Cover the seeds with soil and firm it down gently with your hands to secure the seeds.
Water: Moisten the soil and keep it moist until your cucamelons emerge in 4 to 13 days. Once seedlings emerge and are established, reduce water to once or twice a week or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch 1 inch below the surface.
Trellising: Erect a trellis for your cucamelons at planting time. These prolific vines grow quickly once they start.
Harvesting: Pick your cucamelons daily once they mature. This sends a message to the plant to produce more fruit and keeps your plants producing for weeks.