Add a fun and flavorful twist to your garden with Cucamelon Seeds (Melothria scabra)—also known as Mouse Melon or Mexican Sour Gherkin. These bite-sized fruits look like miniature watermelons but taste like refreshing cucumbers with a hint of lime. Perfect for snacking, salads, and pickling, Cucamelons are vigorous climbers that thrive on trellises and are easy to grow in containers or garden beds. Loved by gardeners for their productivity and resistance to pests, Cucamelons are both ornamental and edible, offering charm and taste in one compact plant.
Unique Appearance: Tiny watermelon-like fruits with distinctive striping.
Crisp, Tangy Flavor: Cucumber taste with a mild citrus note.
High Yield: Produces abundant fruits all season long.
Easy to Grow: Pest-resistant and drought-tolerant once established.
Great for Small Spaces: Perfect for container or vertical gardening.
Botanical Name: Melothria scabra
Common Name: Cucamelon, Mouse Melon, Mexican Sour Gherkin
Seed Type: Non-GMO Fruit Vine Seeds
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–11 (Annual in colder zones)
Growth Habit: Climbing vine
Mature Height: 4–10 feet with support
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-drained loamy or sandy soil
Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Germination Time: 7–14 days
Planting Depth: 1/4 inch (0.6 cm)
Planting Season: Spring after last frost
Temperature for Germination: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
Days to Maturity: 60–70 days
Fruit Color: Green with darker stripes
Fruit Size: 1–2 inches long
Pollination: Self-pollinating; insect-assisted
Lifespan: Annual in most climates
Uses: Snacking, salads, pickling, ornamental garden vines
Sow seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost date.
Transplant seedlings outdoors when temperatures are consistently above 70°F.
Space plants 12 inches apart along a trellis or fence for climbing.
Water regularly and maintain even moisture in soil.
Harvest fruits when they reach 1–2 inches in length for the best flavor.
Pick frequently to encourage continuous production.
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