Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber, also called cucamelon, mouse melon and sandita, is native to Central America. Its small fruits can be eaten raw, added to salads or pickled; they taste cucumber-like with a lemon-lime burst, becoming more sour as they grow.
Sow ½–1 inch deep indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost or outdoors after the soil exceeds 70°F. Transplant 36–48 inches apart after frost. The vigorous vines grow well on a trellis or in hanging baskets, and frequent picking keeps the harvest coming.
Features
Heirloom variety
Rampant vines suit trellises and hanging baskets
Small watermelon-look fruits
Suitable for snacking, salads and pickling
Generally avoided by pests
Germination: 4–10 days
Sowing depth: ½–1 inch
Seed quantity: 20 seeds
Botanical name: Melothria scabra
Harvest timing: Pick daily when fruits are smaller than a grape
