Growing cucamelons is easy , even if you ’re a entire initiate . They grow loads of endearing slight mouse melons per plant life , and the vines are easy to train too .
In this C. W. Post you ’ll learn all you need to know about how to develop cucamelons the right way to get the biggest , good for you harvests .
We ’ll discuss fertilizing , location , sunlight , temperature , lachrymation , soil requirements , and much more .
Mature cucamelon plants growing in my garden
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Cucamelons Quick Care Overview
Information About Cucamelons
Cucamelons ( Melothria scabra ) are tender perennial from the Cucurbitaceae family . They ’re a highly generative , easy - to - grow vegetable plant native to Mexico and Central America .
The vining stems produce 10 ’ long or more and will cross a treillage or other garden structure with thick , unripened foliation that ’s by nature pest and disease immune .
The yellow flowers develop little , grapevine - sized fruits that look like miniature watermelons , garner it the nickname mouse melon .
Its other vulgar name , cucamelon and Mexican off-key gherkin , come from the nip , which tastes like a mixing of cuke and watermelon vine , with a sour citrus note .
Hardiness
Cucamelons are not cold intrepid and wo n’t survive temperatures lower than 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) for very long .
They are often grow as annuals in zones 2 - 11 , but they ’re in reality sensitive perennials that can survive the winter in zone 9 + , as long as the earth does n’t block .
The foliage may die back in the lower zones , but the plants produce small tubers at the destruction of the season that allow for them to regrow the following yr .
If you live in a colder clime , you may dig up the tuber in the fall and overwinter them indoors , then replant them in the fountain .
How Do Cucamelons Grow?
Cucamelons develop diminished yield from female flowers after they ’ve been pollinated by manly peak . Pollination occurs by winding and insect , or you may do it by hand .
The blossom begin to appear about 9 - 10 weeks ( 65 - 75 days ) after planting , and the fruits will commence to develop a few daytime after the distaff flower are successfully pollinated .
Once the plants get on , flowers and fruits will continue to develop at various stages until frost kills the vines in the fall .
How Long Do Cucamelons Take To Grow?
Mouse melon plants take 60 to 75 days ( 9 - 10 week ) to reach full maturity after planting . It takes another 7 and 10 day after pollenation for the fruits to become large enough to harvest .
How To Grow Cucamelons
Before we plunk into cucamelon plant care , allow ’s first chew the fat about where and when to plant them .
Choose a good location from the scratch so growing your Mexican sour gherkins is as well-off as possible .
Where To Grow Mexican Sour Gherkin
Plenty of sunlight and rich , well - drain soil are key to maturate cucamelons successfully .
Choose a garden locating with verbatim sunlight and lots of infinite to hold the sprawling vines .
you may also grow cucamelons in container that are at least 5 gallons or 16 ” in diameter .
No matter where you acquire them , use atype of cucumber trellis , pea netting , or another sustenance system to keep the prolific vines tidy , and prevent them from taking over your garden .
When To Plant Mouse Melon
waitress to imbed your cucamelons until all hazard of frost has pass in the spring and the land temperature is around 70 ° F ( 21 ° C ) , you’re able to look into it witha soil thermometer .
Mouse melons do n’t like the coldness , so it ’s not beneficial to plant them into your garden in the first place because it could stunt their growth .
In zones 7 + you could directly sow the germ once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 ° F ( 10 ° degree Celsius ) . Otherwise start them indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date .
Related Post : How To Grow Cucamelons From Seed & When To imbed
Cucamelon Plant Care & Growing Instructions
Now that you know where and when to plant them , it ’s metre to talk about how to grow cucamelons . Use these tips to maximize the grow time of year and fully enjoy the fruits of your labor .
Sunlight
Cucamelons require 6 - 8 hours of light per sidereal day . Full Dominicus is ideal for the good fruit production .
In very live climates that routinely reach temperature of above 85 ° F ( 29 ° C ) , provide them with good afternoon shade to protect the leafage and fruit from burning or drying out . Ashade clothworks great for this .
Water
Though jolly drought - tolerant , Mexican off-key gherkins produce best when give 1 ” of water per workweek .
Always direct the flow near the basis of the flora and not over the leave , which can lead to mold growing .
Keep the top layers of dirt moist to help the shallow roots stay hydrated , but avoid making it piddle or soggy . Excess water can direct to radical rot , and finally vote out the plant .
Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to avail retain moisture longer , especially during hot weather .
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Melothria scabra is between 65 - 75 ° F ( 18 - 23 ° C ) .
They can survive down to 50 ° degree Fahrenheit , but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures will halt fruit production , price leafage , and eventually kill the plant life .
Hot temperatures of 85 ° F ( 29 ° one C ) and above will slow or stall fruiting and flowering . To head off that , provide tincture during the hot part of the day and water more frequently .
Fertilizer
In rich soils cucamelons do n’t command a lot of fertilizer to flourish , but a few well - timed applications will provide a boost .
Addcompost , senior manure , worm casting , orslow - liberation granulesat planting to give them a head word head start .
Then apply a high - atomic number 19 orall - purpose organic liquified plant fertilizeronce during the spring and summer .
Soil
The best stain for mouse melons is rich , productive , well - draining , and slightly acidic . They prefer a pH between 6.1 and 6.8 , which you cancheck with a bore investigation .
Amend poor filth with plenty of constitutional matter , like compost or of age manure , to improve nutrient availability and drain before planting .
Trellising
Though not technically a requirement , growing cucamelons on a trellis has many benefits .
It save garden infinite by controlling the vining growth , and observe foliation and fruit off the ground so it is less susceptible to pests and disease . It also makes harvest a breeze !
The vine can accomplish about 10 ’ long , but they are fairly lightweight , so you should use a average - sized support for them .
A traditional trellis , small arch trellis , obelisk , or a - frame would solve not bad . They tend to plunk at the bottom , but you may easilytrain the vines to climb .
Pruning
Pruning is also not a requirement , but helps maintain their chassis and size of it as your cucamelon vines get long or unruly .
Usesharp , sterile prunersto snippet by damage or dead leaves throughout the season .
Once your vine have hit the desired length , pinch back new development to encourage more branching and bloom instead .
Pest Control Tips
One reason cucamelons are well - jazz by gardeners is their natural pest resistance . cervid , rabbits , other furry pests , and most insects are not usually an payoff .
However , no plant is 100 % pest - substantiation , and they can be affected by some bugs , such as the cucumber mallet .
course cover , yellow glutinous ambush , andneem oilsolutions are all utilitarian elbow room to keep or get by them if needed .
Disease Control Tips
Mexican moody gherkin are also very disease insubordinate when properly cared for , but again , no industrial plant is 100 % immune .
Powdery mould can develop from overwatering or continuous moisture sit on the foliage . you could examine treat it with anorganic fungicideto slow the bedspread in the very former stages .
Mosaic computer virus is another potential issue that stimulate yellow-bellied mottling on the leaves . Trim and destroy affected leaf flop away to forestall it from spreading .
Tips For Harvesting Cucamelons
When your cucamelons have reached 1 ” in diameter , about the size of it of a grape , and are bright immature they ’re quick to be harvested .
It ’s best to pick them as presently as they are ready , for the best flavor and texture . Overly ripe fruits will become progressively sour and seedy .
habituate sharp , clean prunersto reduce them from the vine rather than pull out them off to obviate potential harm . Check back and glean often to encourage more florescence and fruiting .
Troubleshooting Common Problems
I ’m happy to tell beginners that cucamelons are very well-situated to grow and virtually pest - free . But there ’s always a possibility you ’ll encounter one of these potential government issue . These tips will aid return your industrial plant back to skillful wellness .
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing leave are usually a problem of wrong lacrimation or lack of nutrient .
Amoisture meteris a good putz to help you see how much water to give if you ’re struggle . The soil should be evenly moist but not soppy , or between 4 - 7 on the gauge .
Otherwise , amend poor - quality filth or fertilize with anall - purpose constitutional liquidorslow - acquittance granulesto boost the nutrients .
Brown Leaves Or Edges
gadfly , suntan , nutritious inadequacy , and drought all make brown leaf if allow unchecked .
Provide shade in the afternoon , extra moisture in temporary worker above 85 ° F ( 29 ° C ) , and treat any gadfly as shortly as you see them .
Plant Wilting
Wilting is ordinarily a symptom of passion , drought , or pest . Check your cucamelon for insect , and ensure it ’s properly water , particularly during oestrus waves .
FAQs About Growing Cucamelons
What does a cucamelon taste like?
Cucamelons try like a combination of a cucumber and a watermelon , just like the name would intimate , but with a slenderly sour savor , and a hint of citrus .
Are cucamelons easy to grow?
Yes ! Cucamelons are very well-heeled to grow and a large choice for beginner . They ’re extremely prolific and course pest and disease insubordinate .
What part of a cucamelon do you eat?
The part of a cucamelon that you exhaust are the small fruit that are produced from the flower . They appear like tiny watermelons , but are about the size of a grape when ripe .
How Long Does It Take For Cucamelons To Produce Fruit?
It takes about 60 to 75 24-hour interval ( 9 - 10 weeks ) from planting for a cucamelon to produce fruit . Once female flowers are cross-pollinate , you’re able to have a bun in the oven to glean your mouse melons 7 to 10 days later .
Do cucamelons come back every year?
Cucamelons can number back every year in zones 9 + . Most are produce as annuals , but they ’re actually raw perennials that turn back from Tuber , as long as the ground does n’t freeze .
Are cucamelons toxic?
No , cucamelons are comestible and non - toxic to humanity , cats , dogs , and other creature . They ’re related to cucumbers , so you could check out theASPCA websitefor more information on toxicity in the Cucurbitaceae family .
Are mouse melons the same as cucamelons?
Yes , mouse melons are the same as cucamelons , it ’s just another common sobriquet because the miniature yield see like mouse - sized Citrullus vulgaris .
Are Mexican sour gherkins the same as cucamelons?
Yes , Mexican morose gherkin are the same as cucamelons , and another soubriquet for them because they taste interchangeable to cucumber vine , with a slight sour flavor .
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