What’s the most popular crop in our vegetable garden? Easy! It’s cucamelon. The fruits, which look exactly like tiny watermelons, rarely make it into the kitchen; instead, we gobble them up by the handful, straight from the vines. The plant is a distant relative of cucumbers, and these inch-long fruits do have a cucumber-like flavor with a pleasing citrus tang. Growing cucamelons in garden beds and containers is an easy way to enjoy this unusual vegetable.
This post is an excerpt from Niki Jabbour’s Veggie Garden Remix © Niki Jabbour. Used with permission from Storey Publishing.
Our family loves trying different kinds of cucumbers. Each summer, our cucumber beds are planted with at least a dozen species and varieties, but few look like “traditional” cucumbers. As you walk the pathways between the beds, you might notice the slender twisted fruits of ‘Painted Serpent’ hiding beneath a mound of foliage, or the weird kiwi-shaped fruits of ‘Little Potato’ climbing an A-frame trellis. You’ll also see some of the more popular heirloom cucumbers, like ‘Lemon’, ‘Crystal Apple’, ‘Boothby’s Blonde’, and ‘Poona Kheera’. And you’ll definitely find one that isn’t related but nonetheless tastes like a cucumber — the cucamelon!
Growing cucamelons – cute & crunchy!
Very rarely, you might find cucamelons at the farmers’ market, but they can fetch up to $20 a pound! The price alone makes it worth growing cucamelons for yourself. They’re an easy crop; the vines are very productive, and they’re rarely troubled by the many insects and diseases that plague cucumbers.
Impatient gardeners will find cucamelons slow to start in the garden, with growth not taking off until the summer weather heats up. That said, they will tolerate a cooler spring better than cucumbers do, and once they’re established, cucamelons are quite a bit more drought tolerant. The vines are delicate looking, with thin stems and small leaves, but don’t be fooled! This is a plant that can hold its own in the garden. People with limited growing space can plant them in large pots on a deck or patio; just be sure to provide something for the vigorous vines to climb.
Growing cucamelons – when to harvest?
About a week after you see the first flowers, begin checking for ripe cucamelons. They tend to hide behind the foliage, so look closely. Once they’re about an inch long, start picking. The sourness of the skin intensifies as the fruits age, so pick them young if you want to minimize the citrus bite. We start picking the first fruits in late July or early August, with the last few plucked from the vines in October.
Cucamelons are open-pollinated and produce both male and female flowers on the same plant, so you can save the seed from any ripe fruits that fall to the ground. Warm-climate gardeners will find that a few cucamelons left behind will self-seed quite easily.
There are so many ways to use these fun fruits. As the name suggests, they’re perfect for pickling! We eat them out of hand, pack them in the kids’ lunch boxes, and take them along to picnics and barbecues. You could even pop them into your gin and tonic.
Growing cucamelons – start to finish!
Growing cucamelons is easy! Start the seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow the seed in 4-inch pots to give the plants a chance to develop a substantial root system before planting out and to minimize transplant shock. Once the risk of frost has passed, harden off the young plants and move them to the garden.
Gardeners in northern regions with unpredictable late-spring weather may wish to protect young plants with cloches or a mini hoop tunnel. Open the ends of the tunnel during the day to regulate temperature and allow air to circulate. I usually leave the mini tunnel in place for 2 to 3 weeks, depending on how quickly summer arrives, then replace it with a trellis.
Heat, sun, and rich soil are the keys to growing success with these plants, so pick a site with full sun and amend the soil with aged manure or compost.
Seriously consider trellising the plants. We grow ours on sturdy A-frame trellises; this keeps the foliage and fruit off the ground, which minimizes the risk of diseases and makes harvesting a snap. Also, unsupported plants will sprawl in every direction, quickly taking over a garden bed.
If you want to save the seeds of heirloom cucumbers and cucumber-like plants, such as burr cucumber, just let a few fruits ripen fully on the vines, or collect any fallen fruits at the end of summer. Scoop out the seeds, which will be surrounded by a gel-like coating, and place them in a container, along with a small amount of water. Leave the mixture to ferment for 3 days (expect mold to form on the surface). The good seeds will sink to the bottom of the container; when this happens, pour off the mold, pulp, and water. Rinse the seeds left at the bottom of the container with fresh water until clean. Spread them on paper towels or a clean dishcloth and let dry for at least a week. Store the fully dried seeds in envelopes.
Cucamelon facts:
A.K.A.: Mexican sour gherkin, mouse melon, Melothria scabra
Days to maturity: 75 days from transplanting
Hails from: Mexico and Central America
Want to learn more about cucamelons? Check out Niki’s post on how to overwinter cucamelon tubers HERE.
To order your copy of Niki’s latest book, Niki Jabbour’s Veggie Garden Remix, click HERE.
How can I grow them now in raised beds in the Pittsburgh area?
Great question Dennis.. I’m not sure if your local nurseries sell transplants – I’d give them a call or send them a Facebook message and ask. I hope you can find some! – Niki
I did see the seeds in a Vessey Seed catalogue.
https://www.veseys.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwr8zoBRA0EiwANmvpYA8yNf4C7yoHOZPr4e_y7mtszuD3yBl0XzbQu9dj8CRRboJLuaYCyRoCJVEQAvD_BwE
I’m trying to plan out my garden for this year and definitely want to grow cucamelons. How tall are this A-Frames, and how long do the vines get?
They can get 8 to 10 feet long. I often use wire a-frame trellises that are 4 by 8 feet. I like to lay them horizontally so that I can easily harvest all the fruits.
Can I direct sow the seeds into the ground?
That depends where you live, but I would only recommend direct sowing in zones for 7 and up. I’m in zone 5B and I cannot direct sow and get a harvest. I start my seeds indoors in mid to late April. – Niki
Can I grow them in containers, if so how big and how deep?
Hi Janice, yes you can but bigger is better. They’ll do best when in a pot that is at least 15 to 18 inches in diameter. Good luck! Niki
Can I grow them in containers and if so how deep of a pot?
Yes! I grow my cucamelons in containers and they did very well. I had one plant per five-gallon container. The vines grow quite tall, so make sure you have a trellis for them to climb.
Can I grow in the uk?
That will depend on your location, but you should be able to in most parts of the UK. Give them plenty of sun and compost. If you have a polytunnel or greenhouse, you might have more success by planting there.
I started my plant in the ground but didn’t really know what it was! Now that I have discovered how cool it is, I’d like to move to a pot on my deck! But it has started to flower. Should I leave it be? Or if I dig around it enough, will it survive moving? Thanks!
Hey Cheryl, Cucamelons can get big quick! 🙂 You could move it but the plants do put on a deep root system and likely you would set it back. Especially in the hot weather. If you can, I’d leave it for the season and plan on growing in a pot next year. If you do decide take a chance and move it, be sure to take a very large rootball and water well after. Good luck! 🙂 – Niki
I live in the UK, south east near London. This is my 2nd year growing cucamelons. Last year was too hot, this year warm with some rain. Nearly all the seeds germinated, so now I have them everywhere! There are fruits forming, fingers crossed. They are very popular in cocktails in London, so I will be v chic!
We make refrigerator dill pickles and use them in ceasars
Can you grow them hydroponically?
I haven’t tried it, but I’ve heard that some gardeners do grow them hydroponically. If you’re already set up, it’s worth a try. Good luck, Niki
Hi I am in the U.K and this is my first time growing cucamelons. My 2 plants look very healthy with lots of fruit, but they grow to about 1/2 an inch then drop off. I feed them with tomato feed in a greenhouse. I am wondering if I am over watering them.
any idea’s
They are native to Central America and do need well-drained soil. I water mine every 2-3 days in the greenhouse and bi-weekly in the garden. Maybe hold back from watering.. but it’s also possible they are not getting pollinated. Do you have a lot of bees that come into your greenhouse? – Niki
I’ve never heard of it before. Thank you, Nicki!
I just walked over to our fence and seen a vine with miniature watermelons on it and googled it…..I’m like wow!!! My father n law had seen them before but didn’t know what they were.
I’m excited ♥️
They’ve been growing wild but now I know imma take care of them and see what happens♥️♥️♥️
I start mine in moist paper towel and a ziplock bag on a thermister controlled heated seedling mat. They are a 99% success rate within 3 days, Then i pop 2 in each starter tray pod 🙂
I notice alot of people having trouble starting them and it can take up to 3 weeks to germinate. This way works almost perfect every time for me
Hi I live in Halifax and I have about 12 transplants started from seed. They are just beginning to send out vining tendrils. I have a trellised wire archway bridging to raised beds about 7 feet high. I am thinking on planting them to vine over the trellis. How far apart should I place my plants? I have them in peat pots but wondering if I should add anything further to my soil?
Hi Linda. I would amend your soil as you do for vegetables – compost or manure and some organic fertilizer. And if it’s about a 3 to 4 foot wide arch you could probably put four plants (two per side) on it. Fun! – Niki
Hi Niki, I was inspired to try cucamelons after attending your excellent talk in Edmonton a year or two ago. The seedlings were doing well and after hardening them off I put them in planters against my south facing wall about a week ago. The leaves have become dry and brittle and the plants look very sad now. I didn’t think to protect them and the nights have been cold, down to +1 C. Do you think they are finished this year? Thanks for your very helpful books!
Hi Georgina, oh I’m so sorry they aren’t doing well. They are a heat loving vine from Central America and do need plenty of heat. I don’t have mine out yet in Halifax… they’re hardened off but won’t go into the garden for at least another week. They don’t grow if the temps are cool anyway so it’s best to wait. You can see if yours bounce back but if they are dead maybe you can source a new seedling or two at a local garden centre? Good luck! Niki
I was just about the ask the ‘arch over two raised beds’ question! Thanks for the answer. I’m in PEI (also 5b) so I’ll wait a little longer before planting mine out. SO exited. Thanks.
So I started my seedlings inside in April and I transplanted our to the garden 3 days ago and they all died. So disappointed. Is it too late to try and direct sowing in the garden? I’m in Halifax, NS which is zone 5b. Thanks!
Oh I’m so sorry to hear it!! But it is likely too late. You can try if you still have seeds. But I know places like Oceanview Home and Garden in Chester had some seedlings and also Halifax Seed has been getting plants in here and there. You may try calling to see if they have some left. Good luck! – Niki
Hi there, i purchased a small cucamelon plant from a local gardening store about a month ago here in alberta canada, and put it in our garden. It hasnt grown at all and i worry its going to die. All the other plants i bought that day are flourishing except for that one. It hasnt grown. At all. Any tips?
Hi Miranda, I’m sorry to hear it’s not doing well! It’s been cold on the east coast and I only transplanted my cucamelon plants last week. Ideally, they want warm temps and it’s better to wait. Frost will kill it. If your temps haven’t been above (at least) 10 C every day/night, it’s prob sulking as it doesn’t like cold. Hopefully your warm weather has arrived. If so, it should start to put on growth once the summer weather arrives. So as long as it’s still looking green, it will grow… but you likely won’t see much until the heat comes. 🙂 – Niki
Heart broken that my Cuca’s have lost all their leaves and almost dead. Started in March/April indoors and 3 out of 3 seeds came up wonderfully (London).
I did leave all 3 seedlings/plants in the 7cm pot for too long and they were lightly root bound, but I transplanted them and sheared underneath and side to promote growth. Then planted all 3 plants (in one root ball) into a 30cm pot (this is probably where I went wrong). They were going great, looking colourful and healthy – lots of sun in the day and hardening during the eve until bringing indoors before bed. Up until 2 weeks ago where they were left out overnight every so often during some bad rainy weather, but well drained. Now they’ve lost all their leaves and 2 out of 3 have completely died. The 1 stem is still green and hanging in there. Any advice/thoughts on why? Over watering, a disease, weekly tomato plant food killed them? Can the remaining one be brought back from the hospital? Thank you.
Hi
I see you are watering them twice a week, I am in the south of France and am watering them every morning, they seem to go well do you think I should hold on on the water ?
Thanks
Hi David, if that’s working for you than I would stick with that. I base watering on the weather for most crops. Sometimes it’s 2X a week, other times it’s once a week. Happy growing! Niki
Grew in large pot on 7 foot trellis. Planted in spring (April) in Dallas on South wall. Gets well watered each day. Fertilized with fish emulsion. Vine growing well. Originally put out many females a day. None pollinated. Started hand pollination. None took. It is now July. Vines currently 8 feet tall. Look very healthy. Ninety to one hundred degree days now. No longer producing females or males. Zero melons this year. What should I do different next year? Thanks for your help.
Niki please help! I planted a cucamelon in a pot on my deck. My husband built me a trellis and the plant seems to be looking good and growing fast. Now it has flowers and little fruit looking about the size of a grain of rice- then they seem to disappear.Do I have to have two plants -I am not sure what’s happening.
Hey Brenda, I’m hearing this a lot… it’s could be one of two things: 1) not enough pollinators. These are insect pollinated and need bees to move the pollen from male flowers to female flowers. 2) too humid. Hot, humid weather affects pollen quality and can reduce pollination success. Frustrating for sure!! You can try hand pollinating with a q-tip but those blooms are so tiny. I hope you get some cucamelons soon. Niki
I live in Michigan. This is my 1st year for cucamelons. They are a lush jungle growing on a trellis. How big are the fruits supposed to get before you can eat them?
Hey Sue, great question! I pick them when they’re 3/4 to just over an inch long. The really mature ones at the end of the season can get 1 1/2 inches long but at that point they’re pretty sour. We save those for seed saving. 🙂 – Niki
Hi thanks for the great information! I am English but am retired to northern Portugal and I sowed seeds that I bought in the U.K. in my heater propagator earlier this year. They virtually all came up within days! I’ve given some away and have three in a big pot on our balcony which, as we’re having temperatures of 40°C/104°F and face SW I water daily ! Growing well, one cucamelon that isn’t really growing bigger than my little fingernail! Lots of tiny flowers. I’ve also planted out about another 6 or so in the garden in two places. Again growing well, flowering yet still not seeing fruits big enough to eat, just the tiny ones at back of flowers! I’m frightened to feed them more in case I just get leaves! Can you help please? Thank you!
Hi Susan, great question… see my answer just above for Brenda…it’s likely a pollination issue. The female flowers aren’t getting pollinated. I hope that answer above helps!! Niki
I’m in central BC, vanderhoof to be exact, an hour west of Prince George. Bought a couple of plants locally and got them going in our new greenhouse! they did well, got LOTS of flowers and fruit and were trellised. THEN the fruit started shrivelling and the leaves are going brown and yellow and the fruit is almost gone! Read in another area that they needed lots of water So have been … any thots of what’s wrong? I don’t think we r gonna have any to eat.
Hi! Some of the leaves on my cucumelon plant have turned brown and are really dry. Is there any way to fix this or is the plant just going to die? Do I cut them off and “start over”?
Hi there. I started my cucamelon seeds indoors roughly 6 weeks ago. The plants have quite a few leaves and tendrils. Any tips on when I transplant them outside in a week or so when it warms up? They are in red solo cups for pot size…the only thing I could easily find when I planted them. Thank you!
Hi Sherry… I’d harden them off first and then move them outdoors about a week after the last expected frost date. I’m not sure where you are located so be sure to check for your average last frost date. If the temp drops after planting, cover the plants with row cover or another insulating material. Good luck! Niki
I have a nice looking cucamelon in a pot in our little green house. It’s at least more than a month old and I’ve got tons of leaves, vines and little flowers and cucamelons, but thet don’t seem to develop. Some are definitely more than a couple of weeks old but they aren’t growing more than the size of a little bean. What am I missing? They get watered daily because the soil tends to dry up in the heat. Help! I’m dying try the harvest!
That has been so helpful- thank you. I have an area under a pine tree. It will get plenty of morning and mid day sun. Will that work?
Mine are doing well, but they are having some trouble getting on the trellis, I’ve added a few sticks leading to the trellis but it’s slow progress. Any tips? Also, how soon do they start having branches because they are barely 1 month old but already have 3. Thanks!
Hi Izzy, They are slow to start growing but once the summer heat hits them, they soon put on a lot of growth. It typically takes them about a month to settle in so don’t be discouraged and expect a lot of growth soon 🙂 Niki
Are cucamelons burpless?
I have 6 plant seedlings ready to plant, and will share some with others if they are not burpless
Thank you,
Sharon
Cucamelons are related to cucumbers but are not true cucumbers. I’ve not found them to be overly gas producing as certain cucumber types can be. They have their own flavour – cucumber with a hint of lime. Delicious and productive. – Niki
This is my first time growing cucamelons. They are growing and producing.
Can you pickle cucamelons?
You sure can! There are a couple recipes online – just google pickling cucamelons. Enjoy!
Hello,
We just moved to a new neighborhood in Maxwell, Texas and I have never seen these. I wanted to share a photo, but can’t add to my comment. They like like small watermelons but smell like cucumbers when cute open. Ours just don’t look exactly like the ones you posted. I just never seen these before, and want to be sure they can be eaten.
Hi Christina,
Maybe look up ‘burr gherkins’ and see if they look similar. It’s a cucumber like crop that you can eat, but only the young fruits as the mature ones are very bitter. – Niki
Hi there!
I just bought 8 little cucamelon starter plants from a vegetable stand in East Texas. They are in 2 inch pots and the vines are about 6”-10” long. I was hoping to container garden them but I’ve never grown any edible things, only pretty flowers, haha! Can you help get me started? What soil should I purchase? How many plants per container and how big should the pots be? I really am hoping to be successful with these! I live in The Woodlands, Texas – Zone 9a, about 25-30 miles north of Houston. Thank you in advance! I appreciate it!
Hi, what kind of yield can you expect per plant? I tried some last summer in less than ideal conditions and got only about 10 cucamelons per plant.
Thank you
Hi Rick, I find I get about 100 or so cucamelons per plant, particularly those grown up trellises and allowed to branch out freely. I don’t prune the plants back at all. Lot’s of sun and consistent moisture is key – as well as a super sunny site. Good luck! Niki
Thank you very much for the answer, it is very helpful.