Cucamelon / Sandita de Ratón

Melothria scabra

Also known as Sandita or Sandita de Ratón (little watermelon or little mouse melon). These curiously adorable fruits are native to Mexico and Central America and have been eaten as a staple food since pre-colonial times. When young they taste more like a cucumber, as they mature they taste like a combination of cucumbers, lemons and melons. They load the wispy vines with fruits and bear up until frost. Drought-resistant and not as effected by the common diseases of Cucurbits such as downy mildew or powdery mildew. Many say they make a superior pickle. Perfect for salads and salsas and are delicious cooked as well. In warmer climates, or greenhouses in the north, Cucamelons produce gorgeous edible tubers! We can't get enough of these unique plants. They add a lot of diversity, joy and whimsy to the market stand!

Direct Sow/Transplant Instructions: 

Sow indoors 2 to 3 weeks before setting out after last frost or direct seed after last frost. You may want to plant two plantings of cucumbers a month apart to extend cucumber season.

Space plants 8" apart. If allowing vines to grow on the ground, give 36" between rows. We recommend trellising cucumbers for better fruit quality and plant health. Trellising also saves space to plant other crops where vines would otherwise occupy.

Amend soil with good compost. We also recommend a fall or spring cover crop of peas or another annual legume to fix nitrogen in the soil where the cucumbers will be planted.

Mulching cucumbers is a good idea, however mulching in mid spring will keep soil temperature cooler and may slow growth. Mulching can be done once soil has warmed. Make sure soil pH is between 5.8 and 7.0. If plant needs a growing boost, water with nitrogen tea or compost tea a few times. If trace minerals are inadequate, sprinkle a small amount of woodash in each planting hole.

Harvest Instructions: Harvest cucumbers when they are about the size of a quarter for milder fruits. For more lemony flavors harvest at a larger size.