Mouse Melon (Melothria scabra)

Also known as cucamelon, Mexican sour gherkin, Mexican sour cucumber, Mexican miniature watermelon, sandíita (Spanish for "little watermelon"), sandia de raton (Spanish for "mouse melon"), pequinos

Plant Type: tender tropical perennial fruiting vine

Plant Family: Cucurbits (cucumber family)

Native Region(s): Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela

Landscape Use: trellis, hanging basket, in-ground

Height: 12 inches

Spread: 26-42 inches (up to 10 feet in ideal conditions)

Spacing: 9-12 inches

Hardiness Zones: 7-10

Light: full sun (6+ hours)

Water: 1″ per week, mulch in hotter climates

Soil: Well-draining, humus-rich soil. Slightly acidic (6.1 to 6.8).

Pollination Type: self-pollinating

Fertilize: Light potash mix or tomato fertilizer

How to Use: 70-75 days to harvest when grown from seed

Additional Resources:

 


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