Cucamelon Growing Guide

Melothria scabra

Crop Rotation Group

Cucurbits (Squash family) ●

Soil

Well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

No.

Feeding

Drench with a liquid organic fertiliser when plants begin to bloom heavily.

Spacing

Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start seeds indoors and expect seeds to germinate after 7 to 10 days. Set plants out after the soil warms when they are 3 to 4 weeks old. Cucamelons are tropical plants that grow best under warm conditions. Use horticultural fleece to protect plants from chilly spring weather in colder areas. Where summers are hot, cucamelons can be planted in late summer for harvesting in the autumn. The seeds germinate quickly in warm soil.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Use a sturdy trellis to save space, and to make the little cucamelons easier or to harvest. Cucamelon vines resemble cucumber vines, but with smaller leaves on vines that can run to 3m (10 feet).

Harvesting

Cucamelons have a mild lemony zing when harvested young, when they are the size of large grapes. Larger, older fruits can be used for pickles. Pick cucamelons at least every other day, and refrigerate fruits after harvesting. Fruits with hard seeds inside are overripe.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Cucamelon

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail