Cucamelon - Mouse Melon- Bite Sized Cucumber Flavored Fruit- sandia de raton

Botanically, cucamelons are neither cucumber nor a melon, and the plants will not cross-pollinate with either.  They’re in the cucumber family, but they’re a different species altogether (Melothria scabra). 

Cucuamelons are nothing new, they’ve been grown in Mexico and Central America since before European colonization.  In their native land, they’re known as pepquinos (little cucumbers) or sandiita (little watermelons).  These days, they also go by the names mouse melon, Mexican sour gherkin, Mexican miniature watermelon or Mexican sour cucumber.

These tiny fruits have marbled skin and sour cucumber flavour. Native to South America, the common name “sandia de raton” describes the fruit as mouse-sized watermelons. 
The tiny little fruit has a cucumber flavour complimented with a delicious and unique hint of lime.  The skin colour and texture is the same as regular cucumbers and if cut open the flesh and seeds would remind you of cutting into a mini or dill cucumber.

Great in stir-fries, pickling, salsas, or for the adventurous: eating raw. Best grown on a
trellis for ease of picking. Dark green leaves will form a dense covering. Healthy plants are not affected by most cucurbit diseases. Monoecious

What also makes these "little guys" like a cucumber is how they are grown. Growing requirements are similar to that of cucumbers and melons only a bit easier.

STARTING CUCAMELON SEEDS INDOORS
Start cucamelon seeds indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost date.  This is the same time you start cucumbers from seed.  Members of the cucumber family don’t transplant well once they’re older, so while it’s important to help cucamelons get a good early start, don’t get carried away. 

Cucamelon seeds should be planted about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and take about 7 to 14 days to germinate, depending on temperature.  Ideally, they’d be germinated with warm soil, somewhere between 70 and 75 degrees F.  A seedling heat mat can ensure success if your seed starting area is cool or drafty. 

Growing Cucumbers -Cucumber plants require full sunlight and rich well-drained soil. A scoop of compost or well-rotted manure gets cucumber plantings off to a good start. Plant cucumber seeds in rows or hills after the soil has warmed to 55 F. (12 C.), usually mid- to late-May in most climates. Allow 36 to 60 inches (91-152 cm.) between each plant.

Water cucumber plants regularly and keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy; about an inch (2.5 cm.) per week is enough in most climates. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, as wet leaves are more susceptible to powdery mildew and other diseases. A drip irrigation system or soaker hose is the most effective way to water cucumber plants. Cucumber plants benefit from a thin layer of mulch to keep the soil cool, but don’t mulch until the soil has warmed. 

Fertilize cucumber plants every two weeks using a general-purpose liquid fertilizer. Alternatively, use a dry fertilizer according to label directions.
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