Cucamelon - Melothria scabra - €6 per plant

Cucamelons are becoming increasingly more popular which is not surprising given that they are incredibly easy to grow, pests seem to completely ignore them and the fruit is absolutely delicious! These tiny watermelon look-a-likes from Central America have been popular since Aztec times. The vines produce a constant supply of fruit throughout the summer, grape sized balls of delight, tasting of refreshing cucumber with a hint of lime. The fruit can be eaten straight of the vine or in a salad. They can be grown as a climbing plant or they can also be placed in a pot and allowed to cascade over.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Mexico, central America
  • native habitat: It is believed to have been a domesticated crop before western contact began.
  • family: Cucurbitaceae

Pest and Predators

  • Renowned for being pest free!

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun, Semi-shade
  • soil pH: Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • Hardiness Zone: 8
  • Can grow up on a support structure but could also trail.
  • Easy to grow
  • Takes a while to germinate
  • Drought-resistant

Known hazards 

  • No known hazards

Overview

  • ​Climber growing to 1 - 1.5 m at a fast rate.
  • A frost tender perennial 
  • It is in flower from May to June and the seeds ripen from July to September
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
  •  It prefers a sheltered, sunny site

Characteristics

  • form: Climber 
  • layer : Vertical or Ground Layer
  • habit: vining, climbing/creeping
  • height x width (m): 1 - 1.5 m x  0.15

Products & Uses

  • Fruit: Delicious grape sized mini melons, tasting of cucumber and lime! 
  • The plant can be used to cover the walls of buildings and fences.
  • Can be grown in hanging baskets or pots to trail
  • Can be densely planted, making good use of small spaces/containers

Functions, behaviours

  • A vining plant, however, the plants do not require a lot of room to grow, which makes them ideal in a container +/- a trellis
  • It can be treated like a perennial. In late autumn once the fruiting period is over, lift the cucamelon's main root and store in barely moist compost in a shed over winter. 
  • The plants can be quite prolific. 
  • Much easier to grow than regular cucumbers
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project