The fruits of the Mexican mini cucumber would pass for watermelons in the dollhouse. They are a popular snack vegetable in the garden. We show what is important when caring for the high-yield crop.

In a nutshell

  • Length of the fruits only two to three centimeters
  • Taste is similar to cucumber
  • attractive climbing plant
  • sunny location required
  • suitable for tub culture

properties

Anyone who sees the fruits of the Mexican mini cucumbers for the first time will be surprised. The fruits on the climbing plant look like small melons. They taste similar to cucumbers with a slight lime note. With its yellow flowers, the plant is an eye-catcher in the garden or on the balcony. From June to September you can harvest countless of the grape-sized fruits that hang side by side on the tendrils like drops of water.

Tip: You don't have to peel the small cucumbers. They can be put in the mouth with the shell.

location

Mexican Mini Cucumbers (Melothria Scabra) are annual climbers. They come from Mexico and, even in our latitudes, prefer a sunny to partially shaded, sheltered spot on the bed. Don't forget to provide the fast-growing plant with a trellis or to stretch nets. The plants can grow two to three meters long. The attractive plant is also ideal for cultivation in a tub.

Tip: The undemanding mini cucumber can grow on the balcony in a hanging basket. The fast-growing shoots can be arranged hanging decoratively.

floor

The soil for growing Cucamelon should be permeable, nutrient-rich and dry. A mixture of garden soil and freshly sieved compost perfectly meets the needs of the plant. If you want to prepare the cucumber bed for spring in autumn, dig in fresh manure.

Notice: The Mexican mini cucumber doesn't do well with the cold. Only plant them outside after the ice saints.

pour

On dry days, the Mexican mini cucumber needs additional watering. As with all cucumber plants, it is important to avoid waterlogging and wetting the leaves.

Fertilize

The Cucamelon does not need to be fertilized. Spoil the small plants with humus-rich, loose garden soil when planting them out, more nutrients are not required.

To cut

The Cucamelon annual plant does not need pruning. However, if it gets too long, you can trim it without hesitation.

max out

If you want to increase the harvest yield, you can regularly pinch the cucumber plants. Cucumbers constantly form new shoots. The aim of stinging is to use the power of the plant exclusively for the formation of new fruits and leaves. Remove shoots, flowers and buds from the bottom of the cucamelon. Snap them out with your fingers. This stimulates growth at the top. If the Mexican cucumber gets too big, you can remove the top. In this way, the growth in width is accelerated.

Notice: Pinching out the shoots in the lower area prevents fruits and leaves from lying on the ground. Cucumbers that hang high up are less susceptible to rot.

prevent diseases

To prevent disease, we recommend regularly removing dry or damaged leaves and fruits. Do not leave fallen cucumbers on the ground. This is how you prevent the spread of diseases. Normally, the Mexican mini cucumber is insensitive. Powdery mildew occurs only rarely.

Notice: Spraying the leaves with a mixture of milk and water helps to combat powdery mildew.

Experiences with Cucamelon

The Mexican mini cucumber is very popular. Benefit from the experiences that other hobby gardeners have already had with the cultivation and care of the Cucamelon. We have researched for you.

Notice: For reasons of better legibility, small spelling mistakes (spaces, transposed letters, etc.) in the quotations have been corrected. The exact sources are linked under the indication of the respective forum.

I have Melothria scabra every year. I like the fruits. They taste like a regular cucumber. But have a pleasant sour aftertaste. You can grow them indoors in small pots. But I can advise not to start before the beginning of April. The first 2 weeks they bob up and down and don't really want to grow. But at some point they let go. [… ] If you put them on too early, they can easily grow to a height of 1 meter (!) in small pots of 9. And that without additional fertilization. [… ] Planting out after the ice saints. Are more hardy, tolerate low temperatures better and tolerate bad weather much better than cucumbers. Nevertheless: Frost is not tolerated. Therefore, wait until no more are to be expected before planting. I plant them in the bed at a distance of 30 cm. I have a grid there. All climbing aids that are suitable for peas are ideal. Pot culture is also possible, but I have no experience with that. In any case, they are frugal plants. […]

Source: www.hausgarten.net; User: Sunfreak; Date: 03/11/2012

[… ] The Melothria Scabra has a slightly lemony taste and can be harvested until October. It is also good for pickling. It will be about 3m high. I used to have them in the greenhouse. This is no longer a novelty either. They are sown around April/May.

Source: www.forum.mein-schoener-garten.de; User: former member; Date: 03/19/2007

I grew the gherkins on the windowsill from April and 11 of 12 seeds germinated. [… ] They climb like crazy over their scaffolding, all the decorations and the balcony railings, which I'm happy to allow, as they constantly deliver gherkins to compensate. They are really full to the brim, producing more and more flowers and fruits, which looks absolutely beautiful and also tastes delicious. Furthermore, apart from the need for climbing space, they are very frugal, which is of course also pleasant.

Source: www.amazon.de; User: karma_chameleon; Date: 07/13/2018

frequently asked Questions

When is the Mexican mini cucumber ripe?

The small cucumbers can be harvested regularly from June to October. Carefully pick the small fruits from the bush.

Which plants are suitable for mixed cultivation with mini cucumbers?

Plant the Mexican cucumber with peas, beans, onions or lettuce. Avoid a mixed culture with potatoes and tomatoes.

Why can mini cucumbers taste bitter?

Although the Cucamelon is very robust, it is sensitive to cold. Cold water or cold temperatures at night can cause the small cucumbers to taste bitter.

How are the mini cucumbers stored?

The small cucumbers do not keep for long. Harvest regularly so that there are not too large quantities. Put the cucumbers in a cool place, but not in the fridge. The Mexican mini cucumber does not tolerate sub-zero temperatures. The fruit would become mushy.

Category:

Vegetable garden