How to grow Cucamelon

Cucamelons are also known as Mexican Sour Gherkins. This Cucamelon growing guide will walk you through everything from sun requirements, soil needs, fertilizing schedule and more. Tips for when to plant, harvest and troubleshooting are included too! 

Cucamelons do best in rich, well draining soil with plenty of compost mixed in.

Cucamelons require a sunny, sheltered position.

No, Cucamelon plants are not frost tolerant. 

Plant Cucamelons roughly 1 meter apart.

Cucamelons are warm season crops. The seeds are best started indoors in late winter and planted out in spring once the danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be direct down in spring after the last frost. 

The seeds germinate well in soil that has warmed to roughly 20°C (68°F). 

If planting from seedling, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn.

Cucamelons don't require too much feeding, provided that the soil is prepared well prior to planting. 

Harvest when Cucamelons are roughly the size of an olive. Cucamelons should be firm to touch. If left on the plant too long they will become bitter and loose their crisp texture. Harvest regularly, as the more you harvest, the more the plant will produce.

Cucamelons are generally pest free, however on occasion, may have potential issues with Aphids, Slugs, Snails, Mites, Cutworm, Flea Beetles and Thrips. This is not common in healthy plants.  

Cucamelon plants may be affected by diseases such as: Mosaic Virus, Downy Mildew, Powdery Mildew, Leaf Blight, Leaf Spot, Aster Yellows.

Cucamelons are a vining plant and should be grown up a trellis. 

Keep vines well watered and mulch the soil around the plant well. Water or heat stressed plants are more likely to produce bitter fruit.