The Cucamelon is an organically grown cucumber variety. It originates from Mexico and Central America. It's also known as mouse melon, Mexican sour gherkin, Mexican sour cucumber and Mexican miniature watermelon. This family member of the cucumer can be grown just like any cucumber. The little, elongated fruits are coloured dark green with light green stripes and they've a smooth skin. The flavour is a strange mix of cucumber and lemon. Use the cucamelon in salads or as a snack. It can also be stir-fried, cooked, stewed and preserved in vinegar. Needs support. Non hardy annual. Height: 80-95 cm.
Indoor sowing: march-april
Germination: 3 - 7 days
Germination temp. : 18 - 22°C
Sowing depth: 1 - 1½ cm
Transplanting in garden: after 15 may
Planting distance: 15 - 25 cm
Plant position: very sunny and sheltered (greenhouse)
Days till harvest: 75 - 80 days
Sow indoors from march on. Sow the seeds in separate pots filled with moist potting soil. Sow one seed in each pot. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil and keep warm and moist during germination. Keep the temperature as even as possible. You can cover the pots with some clingfilm to retain the moisture. Remove the clingfilm when the seedlings emerge.
Harden the seedlings, about 14 days, of in the beginning of may. Transplant the seedlings to a very sunny plot with some shelter against the wind (greenhouse) after 15 may, when they're no longer any danger of nightfrosts. Be very carefull with the rootsystem of this plant, because it;s vulnerable to breaking. Give the plant enough water during its growth and during dry-spells. Give the plant a sturdy and firm support. Help plants inside a greenhouse with pollination. Harvest the fruits by cutting them with a scissor. They can be kept outside the fridge for a couple of days.
