Growing cucamelons, also known as Mexican sour gherkins or mouse melons, at home is a delicious and rewarding experience. These small, watermelon-like fruits have a cucumber-like flavor with a hint of citrus and are fairly easy to grow. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you grow cucamelons in your own garden.
a plate with cucamelon seeds
- Choose the right conditions
Temperature: Cucamelons thrive in warm conditions, preferring temperatures around 70°F (21°C).
Soil: Choose well-drained soil and a sunny location for planting. - Planting
Timing: Start seeds indoors in cooler climates, about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date.
Depth: Plant seeds about a quarter to a half inch deep. - Maintenance and upkeep
Watering: Keep the soil constantly moist.
Sunlight: Make sure they get enough sunlight.
Pruning: Manage the size of the vines by pruning them if they become too tall.
Fertilization: Apply plant fertilizer every two weeks once they start to vine.
Pest Control: Protect yourself from pests like cucumber beetles by using blankets, sticky traps, or neem oil. - Support the vines
Provide support with a trellis or wire mesh to keep fruit off the ground and prevent rot. - Harvest
a box of harvested cucamelons
Pick cucamelons when they reach the size of grapes and are bright green to retain the best flavor.
Regular harvesting promotes greater fruit production.
Storage and preservation
Store them in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days or pickle them for longer storage, like cucumbers.
Seed economy
Collect the seeds from overripe cucamelons, ferment in water for a few days, rinse, dry and store.
Enjoy your cucamelons
Eat them fresh, in salads, marinated, in salsas, or even infuse them into liqueurs for a unique flavor.
a cucumber salad
Adapt these guidelines to your local climate and soil conditions for optimal growth. With these tips, you can easily grow cucamelons and enjoy these unique and delicious fruits from your own garden!