Cucamelon Seeds – Mexican Sour Gherkin

Cucamelon Seeds – Mexican Sour Gherkin

Cucamelon, also known as Mexican Sour Gherkin (Melothria scabra), is a unique and fun-to-grow climbing plant producing masses of tiny, grape-sized fruits that look like miniature watermelons. Despite their appearance, they taste like a refreshing cucumber with a hint of citrus tang.

Highly productive and easy to grow, cucamelons are perfect for snacking, salads, and pickling. The vigorous vines climb readily, making them ideal for trellises, fences, or greenhouse growing, while also working well in large containers.

A great conversation piece in the garden, cucamelons are both decorative and delicious, providing a continuous harvest throughout the summer.

Key Features

Unusual fruit resembling miniature watermelons

Crisp texture with a cucumber and citrus flavour

Highly productive climbing plant

Ideal for snacking, salads, and pickling

Suitable for greenhouses, gardens, and containers

Easy to grow and maintain

How to Grow Cucamelon

Sow seeds indoors from March to April in pots using fine seed compost. Sow seeds around 1 cm deep and keep at 18–22°C for germination, which usually takes 7–14 days.

Pot on seedlings as they grow and keep in warm, bright conditions. Harden off before planting outdoors after all risk of frost has passed.

Plant in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Provide support such as a trellis or canes, as plants are vigorous climbers.

Water regularly and harvest fruits frequently once they begin to form to encourage continuous production.

Care Tips

Provide strong support for climbing growth

Harvest regularly for the best flavour

Keep soil evenly moist during fruiting

Grow in a warm, sheltered position for best yields

Frequently Asked Questions

What do cucamelons taste like?
They taste like a cucumber with a slight citrus tang.

Are they easy to grow?
Yes — they are vigorous and productive, suitable for most gardeners.

Can they be grown in containers?
Yes. They grow well in large pots with support.

How big are the fruits?
Fruits are grape-sized, perfect for snacking.

Perfect For

Unusual and novelty vegetable gardens

Greenhouses and climbing spaces

Salads and snacking

Pickling

Gardeners looking for something different